A group of police cadets are gearing up to play their part in this year’s Tour Series when it returns to the city at the end of the month.
The 11 Durham Constabulary cadets aged between 11 and 13 were selected to take part in the event and will now take on the role of team mascots at this year’s race.
The children will lead out the teams as well as taking part in photos and the trophy presentations after the race.
Three older cadets will accompany the mascots as supervisors, along with a full-time officer.
Bryan Russell, executive manager of Durham Agency Against Crime which runs the police cadets, said: “We are proud and delighted to support the cycle ride in the city and are looking forward to contributing to the event.”
In partnership with race organiser Sweetspot, Durham County Council is hosting the penultimate round of the revamped competition on the evening of Saturday, 27 May, with some of the top cyclists in the country battling it out across the city’s cobbled streets.
Thousands of spectators lined the route for last year’s event, which was eventually won by JLT Condor’s Welsh cyclist Jon Mould, with young North East rider Harry Tanfield finishing second.
Steve Howell, head of culture and sport at the council, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming top cyclists back to Durham and are pleased the cadets are taking part in this popular event.
“The steep climbs will prove a challenge for the riders but they will be cheered on by plenty of spectators turning out to experience the great atmosphere.”
Following on from last year, Durham School is also supporting the event by providing free use of the building for the cyclists, their teams and the sponsors.
Headmaster at Durham School, Kieran McLaughlin, said: “We at Durham School are delighted to be involved once again in the cycle race.
“The sight of so many cyclists hurtling past our school is breathtaking and we can only marvel at their endurance – particularly after the slog up South Street. It is a great event for the city and Durham School is proud to play its part.”
Round nine of the Tour Series takes place in Durham on Saturday 27 May. For more information visit the www.tourseries.co.uk.