THE announcement that Cumbria will feature in a stage of the UK’s biggest cycling competition has been greeted as “good news”.

The Tour of Britain has recently announced the rescheduling of the event for September 5 to 12, 2021 - starting with the first stage in Cornwall, and and the last in Scotland.

The date and route of the Cumbrian stage will be announced at some point in future, however Peter Hodges, the tour’s PR and marketing director, confirmed to the News & Star that Cumbria would again play host to one of the eight stages.

Originally it was due to come to Cumbria last month but organisers postponed it because of the pandemic.

Silloth was previously on the route of the race in 2015.

Michael Davison, owner of Davison’s Ice Cream, on Criffel Street, said the return of the race would be welcome news for the county.

He added: “It’s a really good thing, there were a quite few people who came last time to watch.”

Councillor John Cook, executive member for leisure and Tourism on Allerdale Council welcomed the announcement as “positive” news.

Mr Cook who represents Silloth and the West Coast, said: “We had the race a couple of years ago in Silloth and it was a great success, everyone turned out and it was a great response from the community.

“It had a very positive impact and for it to be in Allerdale again would be fantastic.”

Councillor Giles Archibald leader of South Lakeland District Council said: “I do not have the detail but clearly in principle we are delighted to welcome the tour to Cumbria.”

Councillor Keith Little, the county council member for highways and transport, said: “I’m delighted to be able to work with them and offer Cumbria as a stage venue.

“It bring in a lot of tourism but is good for the health of the community because many take up cycling after watching the sport.

“It is very welcome news after the dreadful year we had with the coronavirus.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive for race organisers, SweetSpot, said: “The confirmation of the calendars for 2021 is another step forward towards the successful return of The Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain next summer.

“We are working hard behind the scenes with our stakeholders on these events, and The Tour Series, to ensure they don’t just return, but come back better and stronger than ever before, and are well placed to help showcase all that is great about cycling and Britain.”

Cumbria will feature in a stage from three to seven - which have not yet been officially announced.

Stages one and two have already been earmarked as Penzance to Bodmin and Sherford to Exeter respectively

The final stage is Stonehaven to Aberdeen.