Will Tour de France stars come to town?

THE Tour de France starts its three-week marathon tomorrow - and with it, the best chance to get to know the world's best riders before they descend on Scunthorpe.

The Tour of Britain organisers have invited all the big teams to take part and the field for Scunthorpe should become clearer after the continental event.

Coun Mick Grant, who has played a leading role in bringing the Tour of Britain to Scunthorpe, said he would be watching the French race closely.

He said: "The Tour de France will give people the great opportunity to see some of the top cyclists who may well be coming to North Lincolnshire in September for the Tour of Britain.

"Cycling is a popular sport that's enjoyed some massive sporting successes – just look at what team GB achieved at the Beijing Olympics.

"And because of this more and more people are getting involved in cycling and are following the nation's new sporting heroes.

"With the Tour de France about to kick off, people can get a taste of the atmosphere, crowds and athletic endurance that will come with the Tour of Britain."

The big interest this year is the return of Lance Armstrong, challenging for an unprecedented eighth Tour de France title.

For the latest Tour of Britain stories, visit www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/tourofbritain.