Lincolnshire could host Tour of Britain stage

Lincolnshire has been offered the chance to host the first leg of the Lloyds Tour of Britain men's race later this year.

The professional road cycling event attracting top competitors from around the world.

If approved, the leg would take place on 2 September, with Lincoln's uphill castle and cathedral area being eyed to host the start and end of the stage.

Lincolnshire County Council will make a decision in early June whether to host the event, with officers saying it would boost the city's culture and tourism.

The race has evolved to include 10 stages over a three-week period, with cyclists tackling more than 100km in each one.

The race is shown in more than 100 countries around the world.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a council report says that while the event's organisation could cost as much as £450,000, it would lead to a "large-scale promotion of Lincoln's cultural and tourist assets".

Last year's total event is said to have provided a £40m boost to the economies of the areas it passed through, the LDRS added.

Nottinghamshire County Council, which has previously hosted a leg of the race, said the area saw a multi-million-pound bump from spectators spending on accommodation, food and travel.

The opportunity comes after the 70th Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in May.

The Tour of Britain would take place after the city's Steampunk Festival, which the report said would lead to "both opportunities and risks" logistically.

The council would be required to pay a hosting fee and be responsible for all traffic management and closures. It would also have to carry out work to improve road surfaces around the start and finish, according to the report.

A council committee is due to discuss the issue on 5 June.

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