Excitement is building for the 2024 Tour of Britain, with the first stage offering a thrilling showcase of the Scottish Borders, Tuesday the 3rd of September.
The race kicks off in Kelso, heading east along the beautiful River Tweed toward Coldstream, the athletes will pass the entrance of Coldstream Holiday Park before travelling along the high street in Coldstream Centre. From there, the riders will turn north, weaving through Greenlaw, Gordon, and Smailholm, before tackling the first ascent at Scott’s View—a scenic climb with a 2.5-kilometre (1.6-mile) stretch averaging a 2.5% incline.
Within the next 10 kilometres (6 miles), the riders face a tougher challenge with a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) climb up to Dingleton in the Eildon Hills, featuring a 6.2% average gradient. The route then heads south to Denholm, where the riders will climb Dunion Hill, a 3-kilometre (1.9-mile) ascent at a 5.4% incline, before descending into Jedburgh and returning to Kelso along the River Teviot.
In an exciting twist, the riders will repeat the Melrose sprint and the King of the Mountains climbs at Scott’s View and Dingleton, with the latter just 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) from the cobbled finish in Kelso. This stage promises a thrilling chase to the finish line and provides spectators in Kelso, Melrose, and at the iconic climbs of Scott’s View and Dingleton the unique opportunity to see the race in action twice.
Throughout the stage, there are three intermediate sprints and opportunities for time bonuses and points towards the sprinters’ jersey. The sprints take place in Melrose, Kelso, and then Melrose again at 75 kilometres (46.6 miles), 128 kilometres (79.5 miles), and 156 kilometres (96.9 miles) into the route, respectively.
Spectating:
There are loads of great options in Coldstream for spectating the race, including at the entrance of Coldstream Holiday Park, the Hirsel, , The Hight Street, Henderson Park and the Besom. Keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks, including stage timings and the competing teams.
A Rising Passion for Road Cycling in the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders has long been a hidden gem for cyclists, renowned for mountain biking in the Tweed Valley but with recent boom in Gravel Bike adventures and finally the latest developments propelling it to the forefront of road cycling in the UK. The opening of the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast route and the region’s role in hosting the UCI World Championships have sparked a surge of interest in cycling across the Borders.
The Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast, a stunning 250-mile route stretching from the Solway Firth to the North Sea, offers cyclists a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of southern Scotland. Passing through rolling hills, historic towns, and picturesque countryside, the route has quickly become a bucket-list adventure for cycling enthusiasts. This has brought an influx of visitors to the Scottish Borders, eager to explore its scenic roads, gravel tracks and challenge themselves on this iconic journey.
Adding to the excitement, the Scottish Borders proudly hosted part of the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023, further cementing the region’s reputation as a premier cycling destination. The event showcased the area’s challenging terrain and stunning landscapes to a global audience, attracting both professional and amateur cyclists alike. The legacy of hosting such a prestigious event has left a lasting impact, inspiring local communities and boosting interest in cycling as a sport and leisure activity.
These developments have not only elevated the Scottish Borders as a cycling hotspot but have also fostered a vibrant cycling culture within the region. Local clubs like our own Strava Club and events are thriving, with more people than ever taking to the roads to explore the Borders by bike.
Whether tackling the new Coast to Coast route, training for competitive events, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride through the countryside, the Scottish Borders is fast becoming a cycling paradise.
Adventure Ready Accommodation:
For those looking to explore the Scottish Borders on two wheels, Coldstream Holiday Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every type of cyclist. Bikepackers will appreciate the convenience of our camping facilities (£28), perfect for those embarking on multi-day adventures like the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast route.
If you’re seeking a bit more comfort after a day on the road, our adventure-ready camping or glamping pods provide a cozy retreat (from £45). For families or groups, our self-catering static caravans offer all the comforts of home, with plenty of space to relax. And for the ultimate post-ride relaxation, treat yourself to a stay in one of our hot tub holiday homes, where you can unwind with a rewarding soak after a day of cycling through the beautiful Borders.
Book online today: