Stages of the Tour de France could take place in the UK in 2014 as British Cycling and EventScotland negotiate with the famous road race.
Four road stages, beginning in Edinburgh, incorporating an all-Welsh third stage and a finale in south east England would take the Tour to within one hour of 50% of the British population.
"To take the race to as much of the country as we could and as close to as many people as we could, probably gave more reason for the [Amaury Sports Organisation] to say yes," international events director for EventScotland Stuart Turner said.
"You've got to be ready to do it when they're ready to do it. They'll decide when they're going to bring it.
"We can do as much as we can to make a persuasive offer, but ultimately it's their decision."
Bradley Wiggins became the first British winner of the race earlier this year.
