Hot on the wheels of this week’s announcement that the Borough will host the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championships, members of North East cycling team, Achieve Northside Skinnergate, took to the High Street to celebrate the good news.
The team was joined by Reuben Kench, Stockton Council’s Head of Culture, Leisure and Adult Learning, at the High Street’s plinth to showcase their bikes, support vehicle and full cycling attire.
The Championships will arrive in Stockton on Thursday 23 June 2016 for the time-trials and on Sunday 26 June 2016 for the men’s and women’s road races.
In recent years, the British national titles have been won by such cycling luminaries as Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Laura Trott.
Reuben Kench, Stockton Council’s Head of Culture, Leisure and Adult Learning, said: “Bringing the country’s most exciting elite cycling competition to Stockton-on-Tees is a huge coup for us and is an early sign that the new look High Street has the pulling power to attract major events.
“We view the evening time-trials taking place ahead of the races themselves as an opportunity for people to find a rider to root for, which will make the experience all the more personal.
“Our intention is to position the championships at the heart of our well-established Cycling Festival and in doing so, we will place elite racing alongside entertainment, fun and participation.
“Through the powerful combination of elite spectacle and recreational riding, we hope to change lifestyles and inspire people to get into the saddle themselves.”
Full details of the course will be confirmed over the coming months but spectators can be assured of an exhilarating sprint finish in Stockton Town Centre.
To view an event teaser, visit www.youtube.com/stocktoncouncil