by Elite level cycling is returning to the North East and North Yorkshire, including circuit races in Darlington town centre, British Cycling has announced
The British National Road Championship is coming to Tees Valley as part of a partnership between British Cycling and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to increase cycling and tourism links in the area.
Circuit races will be held in Darlington town center on Friday June 21 – and stars from the world of British cycling will be saddled up to take part.
Cllr Libby McCollom, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We welcome this exciting announcement with open arms and look forward to hosting a midsummer evening of great cycling here in the town centre. Darlington.
“I can’t wait to enjoy the thrill of the ride and the feeling of unity it will bring. The joy of cycling and the unforgettable memories we will help create together in our beautiful town.”
This year’s event follows the successful first national championships in the region in 2023, which saw Pfeiffer Georgi and Fred Wright emerge as national champions on the iconic Saltburn Bank.
The championships will begin on Wednesday 19 June with time trial events in North Yorkshire, with further route details to be announced in due course.
The 2023 events saw Josh Tarling become the youngest ever elite national time trial champion, with Lizzie Holden putting in an outstanding performance to take the elite women’s crown.
It will then continue on Friday 21 June in Darlington town centre, where they successfully started two stages of the Tour of Britain in 2008 and 2009.
Megan Barker and Ollie Wood will be hoping to retain their national circuit titles after famous wins at last year’s event in Redcar.
The championships will then conclude with the road races, which will start and finish again in Beach Road on Sunday 23rd June.
The sports course designed for this year’s event is a modified version of the 2023 route, with fewer climbs, and will pass through the picturesque seaside town each lap before heading out to take on the rolling terrain. of the Valley of the Houses.
Fred Wright won a first class national title on Saltburn Bank last year after a dramatic solo break, while Pfeiffer Georgi delighted the local crowd by powering to her second national title in the women’s race.
Ahead of today’s announcement, Wright said: “It was really special to win my first elite national road title on Saltburn Bank and it was a real privilege to wear the national jersey in the pro peloton.
“It meant a lot to win last year and I can’t wait to go back to the beach and battle it out against the best riders in the country with great crowds.”
Georgi, the women’s national road race champion, said: “Winning my second national title last year on Saltburn Bank was fantastic, and to wear the national jersey on the world stage is so special.
“Women’s racing at the moment is so exciting and we had such a good battle last year. I can’t wait to race in front of the home crowd again and try to keep my jersey again.”
The 2024 championship will bring together the time trial, circuit and road events for the fourth consecutive year, as part of our work to raise the profile of the sport and provide compelling racing spectacles for riders and fans alike. The national championships are the highlight of the inland road calendar, which started yesterday with the 8th ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic.
Today’s announcement also underlines the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s continued commitment to being a leading destination for cycling tourism and cycling events, following last year’s championships and subsequent announcement of the East Cleveland Classic. The second is part of our National Road Series and will take place on Sunday 14th April.
Amy Gardner, British Cycling’s Interim Director of Sport and Participation, said: “We would like to thank our Tees Valley Combined Authority and their local authority partners for once again welcoming the national championships to the region.
“We know from last year how exciting, challenging and iconic these routes are for our riders and supporters on the road, and we can now look forward to seeing the best of British talent take to the face to the jerseys of our national championship again. in June.
“Increasing the profile and audience of our flagship events is vital to the future growth of our sport, the sustainability of our teams and the development of our most talented riders.
“We’ve been really encouraged by the support and enthusiasm of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which has shown the fantastic impact our events can have on civic pride, tourism and wider work to get more people on bikes. “
Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, said: “This fantastic partnership will add to our area’s growing reputation as a world-class cycling destination, and we look forward to welcoming the country’s best riders as they take on these attractive routes but also very demanding.
“We are continuing to grow our visitor economy and this deal will deliver millions of pounds in spending which will boost our restaurants, coffee shops, accommodation providers and bike shops.
“Events like this not only showcase the best of what our area has to offer, but are also a great way to encourage people of all ages to get out on their bikes across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture and Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “It’s hugely important for our borough to reach the national championship road race, especially after last year’s event was a huge success.
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“We remain fully committed to attracting high profile cycling events which give us the opportunity to boost tourism and showcase the area as a great place to holiday and cycle with some of the best coastal and country scenery in the nation. has been a key area for major cycling events for the past few years and may continue to do so.”
More route details and event information will be published in due course. Teams or riders with questions about the event can contact our team at events@britishcycling.org.uk.
