EventScotland has confirmed that it is working with British Cycling and UK Sport on a bid to host the opening stages of the world-famous cycle race, the Tour de France, in 2017.

The annual Tour de France is one of the world's largest sporting events and is contested by around 200 cyclists. It is watched by approximately 2 billion people worldwide each year.

First Minister Alex Salmond has confirmed the full backing of the Scottish Government for the bid, which aims to deliver the "maximum possible impact" for the UK as a whole.

The UK last hosted the opening stages of the Tour de France in 2007, when the race started in London and saw competitors ride through Kent, before going onto Belgium.

Details: www.uksport.gov.uk