Thousands of people are expected to travel to Kirkcaldy in May when the Lang Toun again hosts the only Scottish leg of a televised team cycle race.
It has been confirmed that Kirkcaldy will again stage the opening round of the Tour Series as 10 top British teams begin their five-week battle on May 14 to be crowned champions of the series, which sees teams go head to head for victory.
It is only the second time the tour has travelled north of the border and on both occasions Kirkcaldy has been the venue. The national cycle race brought 2,500 visitors to Kirkcaldy last May.
The town was the focus of national attention when it became the first Scottish town to ever host a leg of the Tour Series when it staged the opening round.
The race was won by Endura, who went on to finish first in the series.
Tour Series race director Mick Bennett said: “We look forward to returning to Fife and building upon the impact of the event from year one.
“This year’s series looks to be our most competitive yet, so Scottish cycling fans should mark Tuesday May 14 in their diaries now.”
Paul Bush, chief operating officer for EventScotland, said: “The 2012 Tour Series attracted a good crowd to Kirkcaldy and I am sure the prospect of this year’s race, against the backdrop of increased profile for the sport, will make the event a success once more.
“Scotland is the perfect stage for cycling events and I am delighted we are hosting the first race of the series, which will see junior and elite races through the town centre.”
Councillor Neil Crooks, chairman of Fife Council’s Kirkcaldy area committee, said of the announcement: “This event created such a buzz in the town last year and because it was the only stage held in Scotland, it attracted visitors from across the country.”