Glasgow Kirkcudbright

Glasgow hosts the Tour for the sixth time in its modern history (since 2004), consolidating its position as one of the UK’s premier road cycling venues on the back of hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games road race and last year’s European championships. After a circuit of the city centre, the route heads south across the River Clyde through Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire before finishing in Kirkcudbright – a linguistic tripwire for any English commentators who haven’t done their homework – in Dumfries and Galloway. Along the way it will skirt the ‘Ayrshire Alps’ – a playground for local roadies, but unheard of to Tour route planners – and take in two testing climbs at Lambdoughty Hill and Dalmellington. The finish in Kirkcudbright will be the first time the Tour has ever visited this colourful fishing port and artists’ retreat.

Director’s notes

Andy Hawes: I didn’t know about the Ayrshire Alps, but on the map the roads looked quite narrow, so logistically may have been a problem. It may look a stage for the sprinters but it has the chance of producing a surprise winner. There’s a short little climb that’s uncategorised, which comes with just under 10km to go and, if you haven’t looked at your road book, there’s a good chance it will catch you out. It will be a fast descent from there into the centre of Kirkcudbright with the last three kilometres pan-flat. If you’ve done your homework and are feeling strong, there’s a great chance for a solo rider or small breakaway group to make a name for itself on the opening day of the Tour.