Derwent Reservoir played host to the 'Alexandra Women's Tour of the Reservoir' - part of British Cycling's elite road series this morning (Saturday 12 April).

Nicola Juniper won the inaugural race with a time of 2 hours 32 minutes and 44 seconds, closely followed by Alexie Shaw 2 seconds behind her.

Third place was taken by Molly Weaver with a time of 3 hours 42 minutes.

The race was named after Princess Alexandra, who opened Derwent Reservoir in 1967 with the finish high up next to the dam near the Northumbrian Water visitor centre.

Winner, Nicola from Brentwood, Essex said: "A brilliant race, but a very tough course.

"Everyone says Essex is flat and it is compared to here! I was prepared well for this race and it is the type of challenge that women's cycling needs."

"This is my best ever result really, and I've been racing since 2008 and to be able to do this for the team Pearl Izumi Sports Tours is amazing," she said.

This afternoon (Saturday) the first day of the men's Northumbrian Water Tour of the Reservoir gets underway featuring Olympic gold medal winner, Ed Clancy.

Day two of the Northumbrian Water's Tour of the Reservoir will be staged tomorrow (Sunday 13 April).

Jennie Collingwood of Northumbrian Water said: "It’s a real coup to have secured yet another Elite Calendar race around the spectacular backdrop of Derwent Reservoir.

"The event is a huge boost for the area and North-East tourism as it usually brings in around £100,000 of revenue for the region.

"It is extra special this year as the weekend includes the first ever top elite race for women appropriately named in honour of Princess Alexandra who officially opened the reservoir in 1967."

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the weekend as there will be a rolling road closure in place around Derwent Reservoir between 08.30am and 5.00pm on Saturday and 10.00am and 4.00pm on Sunday, including a short stretch of the A68.