THE organisers of a bid to start the Tour de France in Edinburgh, which could include a stage in North-East England, have vowed to fight on to stage the race.

Event Scotland and British Cycling went head-to-head with Welcome to Yorkshire over staging the lucrative Grand Depart after the race’s organisers suggested the former bid would be in the running for its 2014 event.

The news has come as a blow to EventScotland, which had suggested its route could include Newcastle, after Edinburgh City Council approved £1.03million on Thursday to pay for host fees and Tour veteran David Millar backed the bid.

An EventScotland spokesman said: “It is disappointing that we have been unsuccessful for the 2014 Grand Depart but it is great news that the Tour is returning in 2014 following British cycling success this year.

“Our initial plans had highlighted 2017 as our preferred date and we have had a positive indication from ASO that the year was still a possibility.

“We have developed a great British bid with strong partners, which would deliver significant benefits to the whole country and we will continue our positive dialogue with ASO in the new year and look at our next steps.”

Earlier this year, Barcelona had been expected to be awarded the Grand Depart of the 101st Tour de France, while Florence and Lille had also presented strong cases for selection.