North East sports fans are set for a treat later in the year as a prestigious UK cycle race comes to Durham and Sunderland.
History will be made when on Tuesday September 6 when riders roll out in the shadow of Durham Cathedral and Castle on Owengate, as the city hosts a stage start in the Tour of Britain for the first time. However, it won't be the quickest route along the A690 to Sunderland that many would usually use on the first stage of the tour to take place on English soil.
Instead, more than 100 of the world's best riders will head west into the North Pennines AONB. Among the challenges in the opening 50 kilometres of the 168 kilometre route is the ascent of Chapel Fell, a four kilometre climb near the border with Cumbria.
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The peloton then heads for its most southerly point at Barnard Castle, before going northeast through Bishop Auckland, Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring en route to a sprint finish. The finish line stands outside of Sunderland's new City Hall.
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Stage three of this year’s Tour of Britain really does have it all on what will be our first visits to two fantastic cities: a start in historic Durham in the shadows of its castle and cathedral, an incredibly scenic route through some of the UK’s finest terrain and picturesque villages, and a finish outside Sunderland’s new City Hall. Through our previous visits to the North East we know how passionate and enthusiastic people are when it comes to sport, so I’m sure they’ll turn out in numbers for this free-to-watch, world-class event in September."
The announcement comes as County Durham's quest to be named UK City of Culture 2025 shifts up a gear, after the countywide bid made the shortlist of four last month.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We are absolutely thrilled the third stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race will start in Durham City this year. Equally exciting is the fact the route will showcase our stunning county.
"This reflects Durham’s shortlisted bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, which aims to secure the prestigious title for the whole county. Sport is a huge part of our culture and is integral to our bid."
As well as being the race's first visit to Durham, it will also be the first modern day visit to Sunderland. However, the city welcomed the Milk Race - a semi-professional forerunner of the Tour of Britain - on multiple occasions during its 35-year history. It will also host a round of the Tour Series, Britain's leading domestic cycle race series, on Tuesday May 10 on a circuit centred around Mowbray Park.
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Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, said: "We’re really excited to be welcoming the Tour of Britain to Sunderland for the first time this September. It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase our wonderful city, with the route skirting some of our award-winning parks and offering glimpses of the magnificent Penshaw Monument as it passes through our communities.
"What is equally thrilling is the prospect of a sprint finish, with more than 100 of the world’s best riders racing through our city centre towards the finishing line at City Hall, at the heart of Riverside Sunderland. I think it will be a truly amazing spectacle which people will flock to see.
"I’d also like to think the tour will inspire more people to take to their bikes as part of our exciting programme of swim, bike, run activities, and take advantage of our fabulous green spaces and fantastic coastline to enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits that come from being physically active."
This year's Tour of Britain is the 18th modern edition of the race and it runs from September 4 - 11. Last year saw the overall lead change hands five times in eight days before the crown was finally taken by Belgian rider Wout Van Aert, and the battle for victory in 2022 looks set to go down to the final pedal strokes once again.
Spectators can watch from the roadside for free, but for those who are unable to get to the North East, coverage of every stage as well as nightly highlights will be shown on ITV4. The race will also be shown in 150 countries worldwide.
Last year's roadside crowd of more than one million spectators is thought to have generated £29.96m of net economic benefit for the UK economy according to research by Frontline. To find out more, visit the event's official website.
Where can I see the Tour of Britain 2022?
Stage one: Aberdeen to Glenshee Ski Centre
Stage two: Hawick to Duns
Stage three: Durham to Sunderland
Stage four: Redcar to Duncombe Park, Helmsley
Stage five: West Bridgford to Mansfield
Stage six: Tewkesbury to Gloucester
Stage seven: West Bay to Ferndown
Stage eight: Ryde to The Needles
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