The South of Scotland: Global Home of the Bike
Cycling
Why the South of Scotland?
Supportive Ecosystem
Cycling Infrastructure
Established Events & Conference
Your Gateway to the Cycling Industry's Next Frontier
The South of Scotland isn’t just another beautiful region - it’s fast becoming a global powerhouse in the cycling world. With breathtaking terrain that's unrivalled for road, gravel & mountain biking, and a thriving R&D ecosystem, this is where future-focussed businesses and investors in the cycling industry want to be.
This is not a short-term push. The South of Scotland is delivering against a bold 10 Year Cycling Strategy, launched in 2022. Aligned around innovation, infrastructure, community, tourism, and sport, it provides a stable foundation for investors and unlocks the full potential of the region’s natural and cultural capital. Add to this strong collaboration between public and private partners, and the region offers a uniquely low-risk, high-opportunity environment for cycling industry growth.
That ambition has now reached a new global milestone. The South of Scotland is set to host stages of the world’s biggest bike race, the Tour de France, marking a historic moment for the region. As part of the Grand Départ in the UK, the race will pass through the Scottish Borders, placing the South of Scotland firmly on the international sporting map and bringing a worldwide audience of billions. For investors and businesses, this is more than a headline moment - it is powerful global validation of the region’s infrastructure, capability, and cycling credentials.
Momentum Backed by Investment
With £94 million in funding already committed, the South of Scotland is accelerating its cycling transformation. Investments span from cutting-edge facilities like the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre to major tourism infrastructure such as the Kirkpatrick C2C, a 250-mile adventure stretching from Stranraer to Eyemouth. This is momentum investors can trust and leverage - and investment isn’t stopping at trails and events.
At the heart of the South of Scotland lies the Tweed Valley, which is already recognised as the UK’s mountain biking capital, and is now aiming for the top spot in Europe. Driving this ambition is the £19 million Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, which will house a university-backed Trail Laboratory for cutting-edge R&D, prototyping, and product innovation. With high-speed connectivity, flexible office space, and manufacturing-ready sites, the region offers a one-stop hub for cycling businesses ready to grow.
The region’s commitment to the cycling industry is clear, with the impact already measurable and growing. In 2024 alone, hosting the Tour of Britain in the Scottish Borders generated a £2.5 million boost for the local economy. The inaugural British Enduro Championships drew 500 elite competitors, while the Cycling Infrastructure Fund directly supported 30 tourism businesses to enhance their cycling offer.
Now, with the arrival of the Tour de France, the scale of opportunity increases exponentially. The global broadcast reach, visitor economy impact, and international media attention associated with the race will create a legacy platform for inward investment, tourism growth, and brand positioning that extends far beyond race day. The South of Scotland shows that cycling investment drives real returns and global attention is only accelerating that trajectory.
A Premier Stage for Events & Enjoyment
In August 2023, the South of Scotland proudly became the first Scottish region to achieve the prestigious UCI Bike Region label. This international recognition cements the region’s reputation as a leader in elite cycling, inclusive community access, and world-class infrastructure - all critical factors for long-term growth in the global bike economy.
We’re not just about trails - we’re here to help create unforgettable experiences. The renowned Glentress and 7Stanes trail centres already attract hundreds of thousands of visits every year, and international showcases such as the 2023 UCI World Championships, the Tour of Britain, the British Enduro Championships, and now the Tour de France, demonstrate the region’s proven ability to deliver world-class events that draw global audiences.
Hosting the Tour de France represents a defining moment in the region’s cycling journey. It reinforces the South of Scotland’s position as a premier destination for elite competition, mass participation, and cycling tourism, and signals to investors worldwide that this is a region capable of operating on the very biggest stage.
Ready to ride In To the future with us?
Here in the South of Scotland, cycling is part of who we are. It’s woven into our landscapes, our communities, and our ambitions for the future. Perfectly placed at the heart of the UK, we connect Scotland, England, and the wider world, making us the natural home for collaboration, innovation, and growth. With world-class trails, cutting-edge facilities, and a spirit of partnership at our core, we’re building something truly special: the Global Home of the Bike.
We're making bold moves and big wins in the South of Scotland - start your journey today.
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