The 110 miles from Glasgow to Castle Douglas is the first leg

About 1,000 people were at George Square to watch 96 cyclists head to Castle Douglas for the first leg.

The tour, which is the biggest in the UK, was revived last year and this was its first venture into Scotland.

Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson said it helped "tick another box" on a menu of things to do to secure the games.

"I have spoken to the organisers this morning and they are very enthusiastic about the welcome they have had and about the state of preparedness there has been in Glasgow for this event," she said.

Britain's version of the Tour de France has attracted a top class international field including world and olympic champions.

About 1000 spectators watched the race kick off

The 110 miles to Castle Douglas, which will take the cyclists around five hours, is the first of six stages.

Sponsorship from Visit Scotland, Glasgow City Council and local agencies in Dumfries and Galloway helped Scotland secure the first part of the event.

Spin-offs are also expected in terms of tourism and the promotional benefits of national and international television coverage.

Ms Ferguson said the hotels and the tourist industry in Glasgow, and along the route, were "buzzing".

She added: "We want Scotland to be a major events destination by 2015 because we think the benefits from holding events such as this are immense."