Cycle fans and could be in for a treat if the councils bid to host next year’s Tour of Britain is successful.
Cheshire East Council has voted to put up £250,000 in a bid to host part of the Aviva Tour of Britain Cycle Race - Britain’s biggest professional bike race.
It is projected that the event, which sees cyclists ride around the country in eight stages, could generate up to £5m for the economy.
Council Leader Michael Jones backed the bid at a cabinet meeting and said it would be a ‘fantastic way’ to market Cheshire as a tourist destination.
He said: “Not only that, it will hopefully inspire residents to get more involved in cycling initiatives across the Borough.
“We have some of the best cycle routes in the country with stunning scenery and it’s this sort of family activity that adds to the health and wellbeing of communities – and that’s something this Council is committed to.
“It will also be a key driver for tourism, which is already worth £807m to the Cheshire East economy and would help attract even more high-profile national events in the future.”
The race would also bring sponsorship and promotional opportunities to local businesses.
The funds will come from the council’s investment sustainability reserve.
