Good For Birmingham Midshires

Birmingham Midshires, Wolverhampton's biggest private employer, has today begun a campaign to bring the Tour of Britain national cycle race to Wolverhampton in 2007.

The Tour of Britain is one of Europe's major cycle races and takes in cities such as Nottingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, and London. Birmingham Midshires already sponsors the West Midlands leg of the race.



British cyclists are among the best in the world, winning five gold medals on the track in the 2004 Olympics and Paralympics as well as four World Champion titles at the recent World Championship titles at the recent World Championships in Los Angeles. Millions tuned into BBC Grandstand's coverage of 2005's Tour of Britain race.



Nigel Stockton, managing director, Birmingham Midshires, said, "We believe that Wolverhampton does not get the credit it deserves on the national stage. This event would help to put Wolverhampton on the sporting map on the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. It has the potential of bringing thousands of people into the city and increasing the cities profile in front of national TV viewers."



Phil Bateman, Wolverhampton's Mayor, said, "Anything that puts Wolverhampton on the national and International map is a great thing. I'm sure that all the relevant parties will work together to try their very hardest to bring the Tour of Britain to Wolverhampton."



Hugh Roberts, chief executive, Tour of Britain, said, "Birmingham Midshires is passionate about bringing this event to Wolverhampton. Obviously things are at a very early stage but we're looking forward to sitting down with all of the relevant parties to make this goal a reality. Personally, I would love to see the Tour in Wolverhampton."