THE County Council's of Devon and Somerset have confirmed that the 2009 Tour of Britain will be giving not one, but two stages of the race to the South West Region. This is a "first" in the Tour's history.

The Tour of Britain 2009 will take place over eight days, running from Saturday. September 12 to Saturday, September 19. The council's are working in partnership to bring the race to the region on Thursday, and Friday, September 17 and 18. The full route for the South West stages will be announced on Tuesday, May 12. 

Last year there were 107,000 spectators at the South West stage and a £1.859 million additional visitor spend on the day. This year's two day event aims to build upon the success of previous years and will be a welcome boost to the economy and profile of Somerset and Devon.

Graham Bagley, Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain Project Manager, said: "The 2008 South West Stage was a great success and we are confident that the 2009 stage will be even better. It is a privilege for Somerset and Devon to host two days of this world famous event and it is a great opportunity." 

Robin Bevis, Devon County Council Cycling Officer, said: "We are delighted that the Tour of Britain is coming to Devon and Somerset for the next few years. The commitment of the Tour of Britain to come here reflects well on how important cycling is viewed in our two counties."