Cycling fans get on their bikes in race to Glasgow 2014

Cycling fans waiting to see their heroes compete in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games won't have to wait much longer to get in on the excitement, as the Tour of Britain, the last major cycling event to take place in Scotland before the Games, begins stage one north of the border on Sunday, 15 September.

Now in its 10th year since its revival in 2004, the Tour of Britain will see top UK and international cyclists race across Britain. The Scottish leg will kick off at Peebles in the Scottish borders, with spectacular scenery along the 201km route to Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, which will pass through Glentress & Innerleithen, Selkirk, Hawick & Newcastleton.  Although the final list of participants is yet to be revealed, fans who line up to cheer on the race are guaranteed to see some of the future stars of next year's Games.  Last year's event saw both Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish compete.

Fans looking to get in on the action can also get involved in the Tour Ride, which takes place on Saturday, 14 September. This is a chance for amateur cyclists of all levels to follow in the wheels of the pros and enjoy some of Scotland's scenery and fantastic cycling trails along the 100 mile and 50 mile route options. The 100-mile Pro Ride begins from the 7Stanes mountain biking centre at Glentress, Peebles and finishes at Drumlanrig Castle; while the 50-mile Challenge Ride is a circulate route, starting and finishing in front of the famous castle.

The week-long Tour of Britain event has eight stages in total, culminating in a finish at Whitehall in London on Sunday, 22 September. The opening stage is supported by VisitScotland directorate EventScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries & Galloway Council.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, which is supporting the event, said: "The Tour of Britain is the most famous cycling event in the UK and the excitement for the 2013 event is sure to reach fever pitch as we count down to the Commonwealth Games.  With some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery on display, and future cycling stars in the making competing, it is sure to be a taste of what's to come in July 2014."

The Scottish leg of the Tour of Britain will begin at 10.30am on Sunday, 15 September at Peebles Hydro.  For more information, visit tourofbritain.co.uk.  To sign up for the Tour Ride in Scotland, go to tourride.co.uk

For details on cycling events and venues in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as how to get tickets, visit glasgow2014.com.

For more information on cycling in Scotland, go to visitscotland.com.