TWO thousands riders have signed up to take part in the 2015 Tesco Bank Tour of the Borders, it was announced this week - making it the biggest to date.

This remarkable milestone comes with just a few weeks to go until the cycling challenge sets off from Peebles on August 9, with riders enjoying some of Scotland’s best road riding on a route closed to all cars and other traffic.

News of this breakthrough, positions Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders as the fastest growing cycling sportive in Scotland.

Tour O The Borders began in 2012 when 300 riders took part, but has quickly grown into one of the biggest closed-road cycling events on the Scottish calendar, and in January it was announced that Tesco Bank would be the main partner.

In June, a new route, the '88 Challenge’ was announced, which enjoys the same Borders scenery, and the iconic Talla climb that riders in the original '120 Challenge’ will experience. At 88.8km (55 miles) it will be a little easier on riders’ legs and allows cyclists of all abilities to participate in the event.

Neil Dalgleish, Event Director at Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people signed up already. The organising team are all keen riders and part of the Borders cycling community, so for us to be able to share this superb route with cyclists from all over the UK and beyond is a real pleasure. Closed road events are a real treat to take part in and we’re aiming to make this a hugely enjoyable and exciting event for everyone. The route is a cycling classic.” Riders can register to take part in either the '88’ or '120’ Challenges at www.tourotheborders.com Adele Mills, Senior Community Investment Manager at Tesco Bank, added: “Tesco Bank is proud to support the communities we serve and we are particularly keen to support event an event that makes such a positive impact on the local area. We’re delighted that 2,000 riders have signed up to Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders and look forward to welcoming them all on the day.”