Britain is in line to host the Grand Depart of the 2027 Tour de France, according to media reports on Friday.
UK Sport had stated its aim to stage the race in 2027 and the BBC reported on Friday that an announcement could be made in March after negotiations with Tour organiser Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO).
Responding to those reports, UK Sport said: "We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Depart in Britain - to inspire more people to enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to communities.
"However, we respect this is a matter for the ASO and we remain committed to working hard to develop opportunities that can bring the joy of cycling to everyone."
Cycling's most prestigious race has twice before started in the United Kingdom.
The first two stages of the 2007 edition were in London. Yorkshire hosted the start of the 2014 race.
According to an official report, the Grand Depart of the 2014 race attracted 3.5 million spectators to the roadside as two stages took place in Yorkshire, with a third between Cambridge and London.
Although this year's Tour will start in Lille, the previous three editions have all started outside France.
Last year's race began in Florence, Italy, and ASO announced this week that the 2026 edition will begin in Barcelona.