The world-famous men’s Tour de France cycling race is passing through Cumbria in 2027 as part of its Grande Depart.
Carlisle will be the finishing destination of stage one of the race whilst stage two will begin in Keswick and pass through locations such as Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere, and Morecambe Bay before it heads into Lancashire.
It is only the fifth time in the races’ history that the UK has hosted stages of the men’s event.
Karen Gee, founder of Cycle Sprog, a Kendal-based website supporting families to cycle with children of all ages, said the event will be ‘an incredibly exciting experience for families’.
Ms Gee said: “While it’s still early days in the planning, events like this [the Tour de France] usually come with lots of family-friendly activities alongside the race, and they’re a brilliant way to spark an interest in cycling.
“Seeing elite riders racing through familiar roads can be incredibly inspiring.
“You never know, the next Tour de France or Tour de France Femmes winner might be watching bike racing for the very first time from the roadside here in Cumbria.”
Meanwhile, Kendal Cycling Club has called the fact that Cumbria is hosting stages of the major race ‘a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region on a global stage’.
The club believes that by hosting the Tour de France, Cumbria’s claim to being ‘a world-class cycling destination’ will be firmly cemented.
On the races’ potential to inspire the next generation of riders, a spokesman said: “We already have a thriving junior section, with children coached from as young as four years old at the club.
“We see first-hand how cycling builds confidence, skills and a lifelong enjoyment of being active.
“Events like the Tour de France can be hugely inspiring, and we hope it encourages more young people, families and individuals to get out on their bikes and give cycling a go.”