The Bath stage of the Tour of Britain cycle ride is to be sponsored by airline KLM and Bristol Airport, it has been announced.
The stage – the sixth of eight across the country – takes place on September 12 and is expected to attract thousands of spectators to the city as well as the 18 teams’ entourages, media and race followers. 
Bristol Airport and Dutch flag carrier KLM said they were keen to show their support for Bath at an event which will boost the city’s profile on a global basis.
The cyclists will set off in the morning from Royal Avenue before completing a lap through of city – showcasing many of Bath’s historic sites to a worldwide TV audience.
They will then head east out of the city, before skirting Salisbury Plain on their way to the Chilterns and the stage finish in Hemel Hempstead.
The teams include the likes of Team Sky, who won the 2013 Tour with Sir Bradley Wiggins, will take part in the Tour, which is televised live in the UK on ITV4 as well as globally.
The Bath stage is also sponsored by Bath & North East Somerset Council, which said the airport and airline made perfect partners for the event.
Bristol Airport, with its links to a growing number of international destinations, is increasingly becoming the gateway to Bath for overseas visitors as well as being an increasingly important airport for Bath area residents jetting off on holiday or business trips.
KLM operates four flights daily from Bristol which connect with 800 short and long-haul destinations worldwide via its Amsterdam hub.
Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods David Dixon said: “It’s fantastic to have KLM and Bristol Airport on board as sponsors for the Bath stage of the Tour of Britain. Everyone’s already really excited about hosting some of the biggest names in cycling, and we’re pleased to work with our partners to welcome international visitors to our beautiful World Heritage city for this spectacular event.”
Bristol Airport chief executive officer Robert Sinclair said: “This exciting event will attract thousands of visitors as well as generating global media coverage which will further enhance the city’s international profile around the world. We look forward to welcoming cycling fans to the South West this September.”
Air France-KLM UK & Ireland general manager Warner Rootliep said the sponsorship would allow KLM to promote its products and services direct to the local community – including the arrival of its new Embraer 190 aircraft at Bristol Airport.
