CYCLING enthusiasts on the Isle of Wight have been left bitterly disappointed after being told the Island will not host any of this year’s Tour of Britain cycling race.

Last year, the Isle of Wight lost out on hosting the final stage of the Tour when Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 — three days before it was due to take place.

The stage, and two others, were cancelled. 

The starting leg for this year's Tour — Britain's biggest cycling event — has been awarded to Greater Manchester, for Sunday, September 3, and Wales, the concluding stage, on Sunday, September 10.

READ MORE: Will Isle of Wight bid for Tour of Britain finale in 2023?

READ MORE: Tour of Britain cancelled following death of Queen Elizabeth II

It is a huge blow to the Island’s vast cycling community and to those expecting a tourism boost from it. 

None of the other six stages have been allocated to any other part of Britain as yet, with tour organisers stating on their website the locations would not be announced until the spring.

But the Isle of Wight will not be a part of it.

In a statement from tour organisers, they said: "Specifically, with regards the Isle of Wight, the Island's unique location presents additional complications, due to the significant logistical operation required to bring the teams and race infrastructure to it.

"This means the Isle of Wight is best suited to hosting either the opening, or final stage of the race, as had been originally planned.

"That is the opportunity for the future we are currently exploring with partners.”

  • For the full story, read this Friday's County Press.