Redcar and Cleveland is preparing to host yet another professional cycling race: the Tour of Britain 2022.
Stage 4 of the free-to-watch Tour kicks off in Redcar itself on Wednesday 7 September, before the cyclists - including Olympic, World and Tour de France cyclists - pedal their way through the borough and off towards North Yorkshire.
Councillor Mary Lanigan, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said:
“We have worked hard to secure this national cycling race and are very privileged to be welcoming these elite riders to Redcar and Cleveland. There are many fans of cycling across our borough and the number of people who turned out to support at previous events was spectacular; even in the midst of Covid restrictions last year.
“Our teams will be liaising with organisers on the optimum route and will be doing everything possible to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully. Roadside spectators will bring welcome custom for our local businesses too. We are very lucky to live in an area which lends itself so well to events like this, which in turn benefit our local economy."
It is not the first time the area has played host to premier cycling events and big names, with the East Cleveland Klondike passing through in 2017, '18 and '19 and Guisborough being selected for the Tour Series 2021.
While the Tour Series was an adrenaline-pumping afternoon of fast laps, the Tour of Britain will provide a festival-like atmosphere, as the peloton moves through several of our towns and villages on a yet-to-be finalised route. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in community activities to support the race and celebrate the area - such as best dressed high street competitions, land art and more.
Councillor Louise Westbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Culture, commented:
“We are delighted to have Britain's biggest race starting in Redcar and moving through our borough – it's a wonderful opportunity to show the world what a great place the area is to visit.
“It will be particularly exciting for our children and young people to see the cycling elite in the place that they live, and to show off the area to countries who watch around the world. What could be more inspiring for our children than to see the professionals on their own doorstep."
The host regions for this year's edition of Britain's leading cycle race (Sunday 4 – 11 September) combine a return to areas familiar with those that see the event continue to break new ground.
The race's fanbase will be buoyed by the news that the Tour will return to Yorkshire for stage four for the first time since 2009, when York welcomed the opening day's finish. A hotbed of cycling in the UK, a large crowd is anticipated for this stage, which will begin in Redcar and Cleveland and promises to be a must-watch.
This year's Tour of Britain will visit the following regions:
Stage one Sunday 4 September Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Stage two Monday 5 September South of Scotland
Stage three Tuesday 6 September North East of England and Sunderland
Stage four Wednesday 7 September Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire
Stage five Thursday 8 September Nottinghamshire
Stage six Friday 9 September Gloucestershire
Stage seven Saturday 10 September Dorset
Stage eight Sunday 11 September Isle of Wight
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said:
“Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps! The 2022 race is shaping up to be another unforgettable edition of the race, particularly since we're mixing familiar regions, with new areas, places we've never fully explored and those we've been unable to visit for many years. Hopefully today's announcement whets the appetite while we finalise the routes of the eight stages – rest assured we've got some more surprises to come!"
While spectators can watch all the action by the roadside for free, race day hospitality packages offer guaranteed prime views of stage starts and finishes, complete with fine dining experiences.
Visit sportsbreaks.com/Cycling for more information.
ITV4 will broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage, as well as a nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are. The race will also be shown in over 150 countries worldwide, in part thanks to the event's partnerships with Eurosport and the Global Cycling Network.
Last year's star-studded race was won by Belgian rider Wout van Aert (Team Jumbo – Visma), with reigning world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe finishing third overall.
The race is a finalist in the Sporting Event of the Year category at the Event Production Awards, which takes place in London next Thursday (17 February).
Follow the Tour of Britain on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or via the event's official website at tourofbritain.co.uk.