THE glittering trophy that will be contested at this year’s Tour de Yorkshire is on its way to Middlesbrough.
The highly sought-after prize will be in town on Tuesday (April 12) ahead of the start of Stage 3 of the race from Centre Square on Sunday, May 1.
The Trophy Tour will visit all six start and finish towns, giving schools and local communities a chance to see it up close and get a souvenir picture before the racing begins.
The 2016 men’s race promises to come down to a thrilling finale in Scarborough on Sunday, May 1 following a challenging and hilly 198km route from Middlesbrough dubbed the Captain Cook Stage.
All are invited to pop along and welcome the trophy to Middlesbrough at the following venues:
- The Cleveland Centre 10am – 11.30am
- mima atrium 11.45am – 1.15pm
- Cook Birthplace Museum 1.30pm – 3pm
- Middlesbrough Sports Village 3.15pm – 4.45pm
The trophy, designed and made by hand at world leading trophy makers Thomas Fattorini Ltd, was won by Team Sky’s Lars Petter Nordhaug in 2015.
Tom Fattorini, Director of Sales and Marketing at Thomas Fattorini Ltd, said: “Being a Yorkshire company it was an honour for us to be asked to make the trophy for the Tour de Yorkshire.
“I look forward to seeing the excitement it brings to local communities before being awarded to the race winner.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The excitement is really starting to mount ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire’s visit to Middlesbrough, so it’s great for people to have a chance to see this stunning trophy for themselves.
“It’ll create a fantastic talking point ahead of the race, and we have a surprise of our own in store to make the visit extra special.”
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Having such a beautiful trophy reflects on Yorkshire itself as well as the race.
“I’m delighted it will be off on its travels and visiting towns and villages along the route before returning to Scarborough on race weekend.”
- 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