CORNWALL looks set to host the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race in 2020 and the possible routes have been revealed.

A report going to Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday recommends that the council submits a bid to host the first stage of the event in 2020.

And the report reveals where the cyclists could ride as part of the event.

Three different routes have been identified, with the preferred route taking the riders from Penzance to Bodmin.

In coming up with the route the council has had to apply certain criteria which are set by event organisers SweetSpot.

These are that the route has to be between 160km and 180km; should pass through communities to maximise live viewing and sponsorship opportunities; pass through iconic venues that Cornwall would like to have TV exposure and pass through high footfall areas to maximise visitor spend.

The preferred route would see the race start in Penzance and roll-out to Marazion before continuing on to St Just, St Ives, Hayle, Gwithian, Camborne, Redruth, Stithians, Falmouth and on to Truro. It would then go on to Newquay, St Columb Major, St Austell, Eden Project and finishing in Bodmin.

This route would measure 183km and would pass 40% of the enitre population of Cornwall – around 214,000 people.

One of the alternative routes would take the race from Bude to Launceston, taking in Boscastle, Tintagel, Delabole, Polzeath, Wadebridge, Roche, St Austell, St Blazey, St Neot and finishing in Launceston. This would cover 172km and reach 75,777 people.

The second alternative runs from the Eden Project to Saltash visiting St Austell, Newquay, Goonhavern, Perranporth, St Agnes, Truro, St Austell, Roche, Lanivet, Bodmin, West Taphouse, East Taphouse, Dobwalls, Liskeard, Merrymeet, Callington and finishing in Saltash. A route of 171km and passing a potential 150,029 people.

No decisions on the route will be made yet and will have to be agreed by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet and SweetSpot.

Next week the Cabinet will be asked to approve a budget of £345,000 to underwrite the core costs of hosting the event and to appoint a sponsorship manager to attract sponsors.

The council is aiming to attract up to £300,000 in sponsorhip to offset its costs.

In the report going to Cabinet it estimates that 170,000 people could attend the stage in Cornwall and if they spend an average £20 could generate an additional £3.4million for the economy.

The Tour of Britain is broadcast on ITV4 and British Eurosport and also gets coverage in the national press and specialist cycling press which would also increase publicity for Cornwall.

This year’s event saw Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas taking part alongside Chris Froome.

It has previously been stated that there is an ambition to host a stage of the Tour de France in Cornwall which could see the famous event go from Cornwall on to Brittany.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet will discuss the report when it meets next Wednesday (Nov 7).