Tour of Britain starts in Edinburgh

Tour of Britain cyclists in the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

The fourth stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race has started in Edinburgh.

Top cyclists including Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish are taking part in the week-long race.

The race started in Wales on Sunday with the finishing line in London on Sunday. The current stage ends in Northumberland later on Wednesday

It is the UK's largest professional bike race, and officials hope it could boost Edinburgh's chances of staging part of the Tour de France in future.

Last year, Edinburgh lost out to Yorkshire to host the Grand Depart, the start of the Tour de France.

Richard Lewis, Edinburgh's festivals and events champion, said: "This will be the first time in history that the UK's most prestigious cycling race traces the winding streets of the Scottish capital to launch the event north of the border. It's going to be a spectacular sight.

"As the starting point and host city of the Scottish stage and with the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House and ancient volcano Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh is the place to be to experience the thrill of the Tour of Britain."

Paul Bush, director of events at VisitScotland said: "Scotland is the perfect stage for events with a global reputation for cycling and I'm certain the stages unveiled today will offer up some of Scotland's most iconic and picturesque locations as a backdrop across the handlebars, as well as a fantastic spectator experience for all ages."

Craig Burn, chief executive for Scottish Cycling, said: "Scottish Cycling is continuing to see an upsurge in interest in all areas of cycling.

"The Aviva Tour of Britain is a great showcase for cycling in Scotland and the hard work of the daily activities of our 178 clubs and the 600 plus events staged annually by our clubs and members."