Somerset wants to become “major hub” for UK cycle-sport

Somerset County Council said bringing the Tour of Britain to the region would be a boost to business and tourism. The 2007 race will be held 29th August to 3rd September.

SCC wants the county to host the first stage of the race each year from 2007 until 2011. The Council would then have the option of renewing the race contract for 2012 onwards.
In July this year SCC will be supporting Cheddar Challenge’s European BMX Championship Final, staged at Broadway House in Cheddar. The council is “looking at practical ways of supporting this event which will attract around 1,500 competitors from all over Europe. With BMX racing set to become an Olympic sport at China in 2008 the sport is rapidly gaining interest.”

Councillor Paul Buchanan, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at SCC, said: “These events are a great way of generating more interest in Somerset and making the county a major centre for British cycling.”
“The route we decide upon for the Tour of Britain will showcase the county to an international audience and the resulting sports tourism will bring many economic and leisure benefits. Somerset County Council is keen to support events like this which bring multiple benefits to the community, particularly in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.”

Any company interested in co-sponsoring the Tour of Britain event in 2007 should contact Julian Gale on 01823 355 025.
www.somerset.gov.uk