Guisborough has been selected to host Britain's best international cyclists once again, as our beautiful area's popularity with professional riders grows.
After the success of the 2019 East Cleveland Klondike and the area's selection for 2020's postponed Tour de Yorkshire, Sunday 8 August will now see the UK's leading cyclists and teams racing through the streets of Guisborough, competing in the first leg of the Tour Series 2021 - subject to final Covid-related permissions.
Promising to be an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled event for the whole family, it's a day not to be missed. Spectators can expect speed, sweat and a lot of lycra as the best in the business fly by at 25-30mph on laps of a fast and technical 1.34km route.
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Streets involved in the route Westgate, Market Place, Church Street, Walkers Row, Northgate, Bolckow Street, Priory Close, Reid Terrace, Westgate Road |
There'll be plenty of other things on offer too, including sporting and community activities taking place on Westgate from midday.
Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Mary Lanigan, said:
“We are so excited - and privileged - to be welcoming Britain's cycling elite back to our borough. Lockdown saw many people in the area take up the sport as their one form of exercise a day, and now they have the very unique opportunity to watch the professionals take on their own streets. It will be such a spectacle for everyone who comes along."
The televised event will be a real boost for the local economy too, giving Guisborough the chance to showcase all it has to offer from its idyllic position at the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors. Councillor Louise Westbury, with responsibility for Events and Culture, added:
“After the disappointing postponement of a range of sporting events, we are incredibly pleased that the Tour Series can go ahead, even if it means acting within any possible restrictions extending beyond July 19th. It will be an unforgettable day, which has been estimated to bring a possible £400,000 to Guisborough and the surrounding area, which is just fantastic."
Three brand new northern venues were announced for 2021, with the Tour opening in Guisborough before subsequent rounds in Sunderland and Castle Douglas. It is expected to attract large crowds, with both men's and women's races taking place between the historic high street's well-loved cobbles.
Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wayne Davies, commented:
“We have an area to be proud of and a lot to offer. It is not the first time these Domesday Book-recorded streets have witnessed some professional cycling action. We are developing an exciting reputation, which should bring with it many opportunities for local tourism and businesses."
MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Simon Clarke, is also looking forward to the first leg of the series:
“This event should be a great opportunity to showcase Guisborough – hopefully the weather will be kind and spectators and participants will be able to enjoy the beauty of our area to the full. I know our fantastic retail and hospitality businesses will be delighted to welcome new visitors to the town.
“Cycling also has great physical and mental health benefits and it would be fantastic if the event inspires more local people to get on their bikes!"
Commenting on the announcement of Guisborough as a brand new venue, Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of organisers, SweetSpot, said:
“We are delighted, along with British Cycling, to be able to announce the return of the Tour Series and would like to both welcome Guisborough and thank Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for their tremendous support. We are sure that their commitment will be rewarded with a fantastic Tour Series event."
Highlights of all three rounds will be shown on ITV4 and Eurosport.
You can follow the Tour Series on Twitter (#TourSeries), Facebook, Instagram or via the event's official website at tourseries.co.uk