A Cornwall Councillor has praised the support shown by local businesses for Cornwall's 'first prestige cycling event.'

County Hall’s Economy Portfolio Holder Stephen Rushworth has said the support for the first stage of the national Tour of Britain cycling event kicking off in Penzance is growing fast as the event draws ever closer.

The Tour of Britain will start on September 5 and will see cyclists battle the 111 mile course through Cornwall, starting in Penzance and finishing in Bodmin.

Stephen Rushworth said: "The support for Cornwall’s first ever prestige cycling event, the first stage of the national Tour of Britain on 5 September, is great and growing fast.

"We have an exciting partnership with the professionals, local cycling experts Saint Piran, who are fielding a team for the race.

"They will provide authoritative blogs raising the profile of the event, and training programmes for young cyclists.

"The Cornwall Tour of Britain also has major sponsorship from the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, operators of the Scillonian lll ferry and Skybus.

"And we have other backers from various sectors – Eco-technology company Cornish Lithium Ltd mining to reduce the need for fossil fuels; the Talent Tide recruitment consultancy in Pool; Shore Partnership property agency based in Devoran; the family confectionary company Buttermilk who have won awards for their fudge, brittle and chocolate, coffee roasters Tiki Tonga; and for good measure craft lager brewers Jubel will be providing apres-race cheer.

Falmouth Packet: The Tour of Britain kicks off in Penzance on September 5The Tour of Britain kicks off in Penzance on September 5

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"This is a very widespread expression of support, but there is still plenty of time for other businesses to back Cornwall’s greatest-ever free spectator sports event."

Stuart Reid, CEO of race sponsors the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said they have arranged an earlier sailing for Sciillonian lll on 5 September to fit better with the race start in Penzance, saying: "There’ll be advisories going out to all of our passengers informing them of the event, making sure they all get to their destination and freight gets to the islands."

Richard Pascoe, Team Principal of Saint Piran, said: "Saint Piran are proud to represent the region, our county, and represent all its wonderful people and organisations.

"We are 100% committed to promoting cycling, being a professional team which showcases all aspects of cycling.

"Cornwall Council are receiving our insights, expertise, inside knowledge and our massive outreach.

"Driving inspiration, delivering economic and legacy benefit is a shared passion.

"We are delivering #beyondexpectation."

Cornwall Council has said it is working in partnership with event organisers SweetSpot, British Cycling, and Penzance and Bodmin Town Councils on aspects including public health, traffic management, and liaison with Town and Parish Councils.