Scottish Borders gearing up for Tour of Britain return
Last updated 16th Jun 2026
The Scottish Borders is gearing up for the return of the UK's biggest cycling race.
Earlston will host both the start and finish of the final stage of the men's Tour of Britain on September 6th.
The region has hosted the event 12 times in the last 17 years, but this is the first time it will have staged a finale.
The five-stage race gets underway in the east of England before travelling through Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, concluding in Scotland.
Today's announcement comes soon after it was revealed Borders towns - including Innerleithen, Melrose, Selkirk, Hawick and Newcastleton - will welcome the Tour de France Grand Depart next summer.
Although details of what route some of the world's best cyclists will take during the Tour of Britain event has yet to be announced.
READ MORE: Melrose Festival makes a splash with return of water crossing
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “The final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain will once again give us an opportunity to showcase what the Scottish Borders has to offer, for not just the professional cyclist but also those who enjoy being active at any level."
The event clashes with the final day of Edge Fest, with Ronan Keating, Tinie Tempah and Generation GBX due to book in at Lilliardsedge Holiday Park - nine miles down the road - but it's unclear if traffic on the A68 will be affected.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: "Today’s exciting news is further recognition of the Scottish Borders renowned reputation as a leading cycling destination.
“The region’s scenic road routes and landscapes, as well as it’s many cycling experiences, make it the perfect stage to host the final, thrilling stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men.
“Events of this scale undoubtedly help raise a destination’s profile, introducing its offering to new audiences and inspiring future visits. This in turn boosts the local economy, and makes Scotland a better place to live, visit, work and do business.”
READ MORE: Borders mum urges rethink on school iPads amid social media ban plan
British Cycling says last year's men's and women's Tours generated more than £62 million for host communities across the UK, with organisers expecting another boost for the local economy through increased visitor numbers and tourism spending.
Detailed routes for all five stages are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/