Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and British Cycling have today announced that a new elite level cycling event, the East Cleveland Classic, will take place in the borough on Sunday 14 April this year.
The challenging road race route builds upon the circuit used for the 2023 National Championship Road Race and has been modified and extended to pass through Guisborough.
The circuit starts and finishes in Saltburn and will take in Skelton, Guisborough, Charltons, Boosbeck, Lingdale and Brotton.
The women will race over four laps of the circuit covering a distance of 68 miles, with the men completing six laps and a total race distance of 100 miles.
Racing will get underway at 9am for the women and 1pm for the men, both races will start and finish near the bandstand in Saltburn. The event will be overseen by the delivery partner Community Traffic Management.
Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Carrie Richardson, said:
“Redcar and Cleveland have a proud track record of hosting major cycling events having previously hosted the National Road Championships as well as the National Road Series, Tour of Britain and Tour Series.
“I am thrilled that the East Cleveland Classic will be taking place in our area in April and look forward to it providing the perfect opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer.”
The event will form part of British Cycling’s National Road Series for 2024 and will be the curtain raiser for the men’s series and second race in the calendar for the women.
Robyn Clay, who turned professional last year and competed in the National Road and Circuit Race series events, added:
"The 2023 nationals race looked really tough - a lot of climbing and that was evident in both the women’s race and the men’s race.
“I think the Saltburn finish is spectacular, and very special. It’s a course that only the strongest riders can win on.
“I’m looking forward to being back in Saltburn this year and hopefully being in good enough condition to get a good result."
Managing Director of British Cycling Events, Jonathan Day, said:
"We are delighted to return to Redcar and Cleveland to deliver another prestigious event in the region and would like to thank the council and other local partners for enabling us to deliver an exciting and challenging course for our riders and supporters on the roadside.
"Last year's national championships saw many of our best riders do battle against the stunning backdrop of Saltburn, and we look forward to more great racing at the East Cleveland Classic in April."