Tour de France set to come to Scotland

ORGANISERS are in talks to bring the opening stage of the world's most famous cycle race to Scotland.

This year the Tour de France began in London, while Monaco is already gearing up to host the 'Grand Depart' of the 2009 event.

Now it has emerged that Scotland is up against Japan and Qatar to host the first stage of a future race.

Christian Prodhomme, tour director, wrote on the event's website: "Along with a truly memorable visit to London and a route through Brittany next summer imprinted with fervent affection for the Tour, the start in Monaco reflects the powerful influence of a monument of sport: its universal appeal.

"And with applications from France and neighbouring countries, the official candidature of the state of Qatar and the contacts established this autumn, at their request, by Scotland and Japan, confirm the Tour's extraordinary magic."

It is not known where in Scotland the tour might be hosted. However, with the opening time trials generally held in major cities, Edinburgh would a candidate.

The Grand Depart in London and Kent attracted more than a million spectators over two days, and provided a massive boost to the economy.