Stage 1 – Peebles to Drumlanrig Castle

Leading cyclists will gather for The Grand Depart of The Tour of Britain on Peebles High Street on Sunday, September 15 at approximately 10:15am and spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the riders as they tackle the first stage of the tenth anniversary of the UK’s premier road race.

Many of the local eating establishments will offer The Tour of Britain Big Breakfast, so look out for posters on shop windows and graze while you gaze at the build-up of the big race. A limited number of FREE Tour of Britain mugs will also be available from various outlets.

The cyclists do a lap of Peebles town centre before reaching the official start of the race at Glentress sign (10:30 – 10:45). The peloton then passes through Innerleithen (10:39 – 10:55); Walkerburn (10:43 – 10:59) and heads into Selkirk (11:10 – 11:29) which takes the cyclists onto their first King of the Mountain before they reach Hawick (11:37 – 11:58) and their first sprint. The KoM2 takes place on the B6399, approx. 15kms towards Newcastleton where their predicted arrival is (12:25- 12:51) and the second sprint of Stage 1. Cyclists then head off into Dumfries and Galloway, eventually reaching the finish line at Drumlanrig Castle at (15:29 – 16:14).

For those in the area on the Saturday evening, there is a Beer, Wine & Whisky Tasting by candlelight at Neidpath Castle, and following the Grand Depart on the Sunday morning, Kailzie Gardens are hosting Feast in The Forest where there is various planned activities. Alternatively enjoy Sunday lunch as there is an abundance of award winning restaurants and make the most of your visit to Peebles by experiencing what the town has to offer. Peebles has earned the distinction of being ranked as one of the top independent retailing towns in Scotland. It is also widely recognised as an arts destination with a wide range of local contemporary and traditional art and has outstanding accommodation for those planning to make it a short stay visit. Other activities such as fishing, golfing, walking and horse riding are also available.

Watch out for those dedicated amateur cyclists who are signed up for The Tour Ride Scotland on September 14. Transport assistance for those travelling with bikes from Newcastleton can be arranged with Rock UK.

Other local entertainment taking place on the same weekend is Yarrow & Ettrick Show, near Selkirk (Sept 14); Selkirk Vintage Car Rally (Sept 15); The Flodden 500 Selkirk Association’s Riding of the South Marches (Sept 15); and the YES Arts Festival at various venues & locations in Yarrow, Ettrick & Selkirk (12 – 15 Sept).

During the year, recreational cycling can be enjoyed throughout the region and there are also many planned events such as Ken Laidlaw Sportive (25/8/13); Tour of Tweeddale Sportive (8/9/13); Tour o’ the Borders (27/4/14); and Tweedlove celebrating Homecoming Scotland (24 May – 8 June 2014).

For estimated times of arrival, parking restrictions and further information about events and cycling in the Scottish Borders www.cyclescottishborders.com
Further Tour information www.tourofbritain.co.uk

Grand Depart
Preparations for the race will take place early Sunday morning so Eastgate and High Street, Peebles, will be closed to traffic between 03:00 and 13:30pm. There are parking restrictions in place around the route in Peebles to allow the cyclists to pass and give spectators better viewing.