(the) Tour of Britain

the Tour of Britain [the Tour of Britain]

the most important international bicycle race in Britain. It took place every year until 1994 and was first held in 1951. The race lasted for 12 days and took place on roads all over Britain, covering a total distance of approximately 1 000 miles/ 600 kilometres. From 1987 to 1994 the race was sponsored (= paid for) by Kellogg's. In previous years when it was sponsored by the Milk Marque, an organization that controlled the supply of milk in Britain, it was often called the Milk Race. The race came to an end in 1994 because of financial problems but returned in 2004 as a shorter five-day race, sponsored by a number of public and private organizations.