Edinburgh to bid for launch of Tour de France

Edinburgh hostels could prove to be a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts as the city is to place a bid to host the 2017 Grand Depart of the Tour de France.

Hosting the event is expected to cost the city around £5 million, but it is estimated that this could generate up to £100 million for the Scottish economy.

Paul Bush, chief executive of EventScotland, told BBC Radio Scotland: "We want to position Scotland as one of the best locations in the world to host an event over the next few years.

"To bring the Grand Depart Tour de France to Scotland - which is one of the greatest sporting events every year - in 2017 would be a huge coup."

However, he added that there have also been "audacious and ambitious plans" from the east coast of America, the Middle East and Japan.

The Tour de France is due to take place this year between July 2nd and 24th.
 

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