THE Thirteen Group is showing its support for the Tour de Yorkshire coming to Middlesbrough.
The leading housing provider is backing the Enjoy the Ride Criterium street races as part of the Tour de Yorkshire festival weekend, hosted by Middlesbrough Council.
The cycle races will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 in Centre Square on a course that circuits the civic heart of Middlesbrough.
The races – organised by Cleveland Wheelers and Speedflex Race Team – provide a great challenge riders of all ages and abilities, and a thrilling spectacle for spectators around the town centre course.
The circuit features tight turns around a lap less than a mile long, which cycling fans can expect to see riders cover in less than two minutes.
Race organiser Dave Morton said: “We’re delighted that the Thirteen Group have come on board, we can’t thank them enough for their support.
“The whole weekend will be a fantastic addition to the North East cycling calendar and I can’t wait for the tour to arrive and the weekend festival of cycling to begin!
“Come and watch the Monday racing – if you haven’t seen our local racing talent in action before you will be amazed at the speed and commitment from even the youngest competitor.”
Thirteen, which offers a wide range of affordable homes for rent and sale across the Tees Valley, is proud to be supporting this fantastic event for the town, its people and the wider community and region which will hopefully become an annual fixture in the cycling calendar.
Chris Smith, Thirteen’s Director of Business Development, said: “The Tour de Yorkshire is the talk of the town and we’re thrilled to be part of the festival.
“At Thirteen we not only offer a wide ranges of homes for all circumstances, we offer people the chance to make a positive change to their lifestyle and this weekend encourages people of all ages to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.”
The countdown is now well and truly under way to Sunday, May 1 when the riders of the Tour de Yorkshire will gather in Centre Square for the much-anticipated final stage of this year’s race.
Some of the leading names in world cycling will roll out through the town before tackling a challenging and hilly 198km route to Scarborough. The Captain Cook Stage will certainly test even the best!
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the response to the news that the Tour de Yorkshire is coming here, and Middlesbrough is pulling out all the stops to ensure a truly memorable weekend and legacy of sport.
“Support from sponsors such as The Thirteen Group has been invaluable and make such a difference”
The town centre races follow Sunday’s start of Stage 3 of the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire from Centre Square.
Some of the leading names in world cycling will roll out through the town before tackling a challenging and hilly 198km route to Scarborough watched by a global television audience.
For full details of the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire, visit letour.yorkshire.com/ and for regular updates on Middlesbrough’s build-up to the big day, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk and lovemiddlesbrough.com/enjoytheride