GALASHIELS will welcome Britain's leading cyclists for the first time when it hosts a prestigious event later this year.

Round two of the Tour Series – which attracts international television coverage – will be held in the town on Wednesday, May 4.

The event sees British cycling’s best men and women compete against each other in a unique, team-based format.

It will be the first time that the series has come to the Borders since its launch in 2009.

The circuit – that starts and finishes adjacent to the idyllic Bank Street gardens – will see riders pass by the Burgh Chambers, war memorial and the Great Tapestry of Scotland centre during the one-kilometre lap.

Road closures

Town centre road closures and restrictions will be in place before and during the event, according to Scottish Borders Council.

The following roads will be shut to motorists on May 4 between 6.30am and 11.59pm:

  • Paton Street – from entrance to Tesco to Market Place
  • Market Place – from Overhaugh Street to Cornmill Square
  • Cornmill Square
  • Bank Street – from Cornmill Square to Bank Street Brae
  • Green Street
  • Albert Place – from Cornmill Square southwards for 120 metres

Parking will be prohibited on the above routes from 6pm on May 3 to 11.59pm on May 4.

The following roads will be closed on May 4 between 12pm and 11.59pm:

  • Channel Street
  • Bank Street – from Bank Street Brae to High Street
  • High Street – from Bank Street to Channel Street
  • Market Street – from Channel Street to Overhaugh Street

On May 4 between 10am and 11.59pm, parking will be prohibited on; Paton Street, from the Tesco entrance to Market Place; Market Street, from Overhaugh Street to Cornmill Square; Cornmill Square; and Bank Street, from Cornmill Square to Bank Street Brae.

Meanwhile, the existing taxi rank on Stirling Street will be extended in a westerly direction for an approximate distance of 40 metres, according to the council.

Those expecting deliveries while the road closures are in place are being asked to contact Jane Warcup (jwarcup@scotborders.gov.uk) with an idea of the time expected, area for unloading and duration of deliveries.

'World class' events coming to Borders

The Tour Series announcement is part of a double delight for the region, after it was confirmed that the Tour of Britain will return in September.

Details on the full Borders route for stage two will be revealed on Wednesday (April 6).

The “world class” events will give a boost to the local economy, according to the council.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain and Tour Series race director, said: “Few places lend themselves more to cycling than the Scottish Borders, owing to the mix of historic, unforgettable towns and stunning countryside roads.

“To be able to take the Tour Series there for the first time and return with the Tour of Britain once again shows the appetite for our world-famous events in the area.”

Sam Smith, the council’s chief officer for economic development, added: “These will be fantastic occasions for the area and will bring in visitors and provide great exposure for the Borders.”