Cycling race could be en route
TOUR OF BRITAIN MAY TAKE IN PARTS OF NORTH EAST
BRITAIN’S biggest and most prestigious cycling race could be set for a return to the North East.
It has been revealed the North of Tyne Combined Authority is planning a bid to host a stage of the 2019 Tour of Britain this September.
Northumberland’s stunning scenery last provided the backdrop for part of the race two years ago, attracting an estimated 100,000 spectators and boosting the region’s economy by almost £4m.
While no details of the potential 2019 route has been revealed, a report to the combined authority’s cabinet states the race could “travel through a significant proportion” of the Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside area.
The North of Tyne leaders have been told there is “an urgency” to put together a bid for a stage of the Tour in the coming weeks and they will be asked to approve funding to do so at a meeting on March 12. The report states: “An opportunity has emerged for the North of Tyne to host a stage of the Tour of Britain 2019 cycling event, which would travel through a significant proportion of the combined authority area.
“This would be a high-profile event, which would be likely to draw significant visitor numbers and provide an economic boost to local businesses. It would also promote the area through extensive national and international media coverage, while also providing opportunities for community involvement and the promotion of health outcomes.
“However, there is an urgency to put the necessary arrangements in place before the next scheduled meeting of cabinet. Therefore, cabinet is asked to authorise the interim Head of Paid Service, in consultation with the interim Mayor and relevant portfolio holders, to consider an allocation of funding to support a North of Tyne stage of the 2019 Tour of Britain Cycling event, subject to the normal appraisal processes.”
Stage two of the 2017 Tour set off from Kielder and finished in Blyth, with 120 riders from 24 different countries passing through the Northumberland National Park and scores of rural and urban communities along the route.
Thousands of cycling fans lined the streets for the event to cheer on many of the world’s top cyclists, including British legend Mark Cavendish. Northumberland also played host to the 2015 Tour, when stage four of the race finished in Blyth and the following stage set off from Prudhoe. Only one location – the Wirral – has been confirmed for this year’s race, the remaining stages expected to be confirmed in April or May.
The eight-stage tour will be held from September 8 to 15.