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Rolling out of Town – Middlesbrough’s Stage 3 Route

Screen Shot 2016-03-21 at 15.35.40THE Tour’s coming to town – and Middlesbrough’s landmarks and history will be firmly in the spotlight.

The countdown is well and truly under way to Sunday, May 1 when the peloton of the Tour de Yorkshire will gather in Centre Square ahead of the much-anticipated final stage of this year’s race.

The town is the proud host of the start of Stage 3 which will see the cream of world cycling roll out through the town before tackling a challenging and hilly 198km route to Scarborough.

Huge crowds are expected, creating a carnival atmosphere around the team buses, with entertainment lined up to get proceedings under way on a high note.

Middlesbrough’s stage is themed on the area’s historic links with Captain James Cook, and on their way through the town the 18 teams of riders will pass through Stewart Park, home of Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, before heading into the leg-sapping hills of the North York Moors.

Middlesbrough’s ceremonial route will see the field of around 130 riders take in some of the town’s best known landmarks before the racing begins in earnest at Poole Roundabout on the outskirts.

From the start point at Centre Square and mima, the riders will pedal past the historic Gazette buildings on Borough Road before heading into Teesside University’s new Campus Heart with its striking Curve building.

Then it’s down Linthorpe Road to the Cenotaph, where the bunch will pass the memorial to D-Day hero Stan Hollis before taking a short detour through Albert Park under the watchful gaze of the Brian Clough statue.

After passing the former Clairville Stadium site, the riders will swing onto Marton Road and up past the new Middlesbrough Sports Village – home to the Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit and Velodrome.

Next stop is a quick visit to Stewart Park via Ladgate Lane, with the peloton rolling past the site of the birthplace of Captain Cook before heading back onto Dixons Bank and past Poole Roundabout before the hostilities begin in earnest on the A172.

It promises to be a thrilling climax to the 2016 race, and the town is already hard at work ensuring it’s a memorable experience for all involved, from the elite racing teams to the thousands of spectators who will flock into to town to cheer the peloton on its way.

The event comes at the heart of Middlesbrough’s very own Enjoy the Ride festival which will feature a packed programme of events in the build-up to the Tour de Yorkshire and throughout the summer.

The festival – details to be announced shortly – will cover a feast of sport and leisure activity from community cycle rides and live music to the arts and great food. It’s an open invitation to explore all Middlesbrough has to offer and a celebration of the Tour de Yorkshire’s arrival in the town.

The inaugural Tour de Yorkshire in 2015 attracted one and a half million spectators and more than six million global television viewers, and generated an estimated £50 million in economic benefit to the areas involved.

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “To be invited to host such a prestigious event is a major coup for Middlesbrough and one which will show the town off to a worldwide television audience.

“It’s a unique chance for local people to see some of the greatest athletes in the world in action, and the town will provide a fantastic backdrop for what will undoubtedly be a memorable spectacle.

“The theme is a timely celebration of our proud links with Captain Cook and this is a fantastic opportunity to share that heritage with a whole new audience.

“It’s something for the whole town to get involved and play a part in – the legacy for Middlesbrough will be huge.”

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The routes for this year’s race showcase Yorkshire’s stunning scenery and will also deliver an excellent sporting event.

“They’re eagerly anticipated by fans, riders and teams and we have all the ingredients for another spectacular race which will bring the crowds back out.”

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

A full schedule of race timings is attached and can be viewed online at letour.yorkshire.com/timings

By admin