VISITORS to Stockton this weekend were left in a spin by the thrilling sights on show as part of the Stockton Cycling Festival 2016.
Stockton Town Centre and Riverside were awash with thousands of people from the Borough and beyond enjoying a weekend packed full of cycling activities.
An adrenaline-fuelled race around Stockton town centre starting and finishing on the High Street was the main event on Sunday (26 June) as some of the world’s greatest cyclists competed in the British Cycling National Road Championships.
Riders of all abilities took part in the Stockton Sportive on Saturday (25 June) as they set out from the Riverside, through the Borough and out into the North Yorkshire Moors.
Sunday’s Family Festival Day offered cyclists of all ages a challenge with the family RideStockton event alongside a variety of entertainment including BMX stunts and unicycle displays, and Ride Well races for younger cyclists.
The British Cycling National Road Championships made an exhilarating end to the Stockton Cycling Festival on Sunday (26 June) as the sport’s best UK competitors took off from Stockton High Street to lap a challenging out of town circuit before returning to the historic Town Centre for a thrilling finale.
Mark Cavendish was pipped into second place in an exhilarating sprint finish by Adam Blythe who was able to hold off the former world champion along a packed High Street.
Earlier in the day Hannah Barnes led a family finish as she took first place and left sister Alice behind in second place as she went on to claim the under 23 women’s road title.
Alex Dowsett made history earlier in the week (Thursday 23 June) by recording a fifth National Time Trial title in Stockton after a dominant performance which left him winning with over a minute of time in hand.
After taking the plaudits on the podium, Alex said: “Win number five, it’s as special as the first. Fantastic course. Stockton should be hugely proud of what they’ve put on today.”
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “Yet again Stockton Cycling Festival has been a real success and it was absolutely fantastic to see just how many people joined us to enjoy the weekend’s events.
“It has been a very exciting time for the Borough and for cycling. The British Cycling Road Championships were a huge draw to attract people into the town and I hope the event as a whole has inspired people to get on their bikes and try some of the many cycling activities we have in the Borough.
“I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and preparations on the festival, which will no doubt leave a long legacy in Stockton.”