SOME the country's top cyclists will be getting in the saddle to compete in the first East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix in the spring.

The region’s newest professional cycling race will feature top riders from around the UK taking on the challenging three-lap, 30 mile route.

Beginning and ending in Guisborough’s Westgate, the riders will take in Saltburn, Charltons, Boosbeck, Margrove Park, Lingdale, Liverton Mines, Loftus, Easington, Carlin How, Skinningrove, Brotton and Skelton.

Councillor Mary Lanigan, chairwoman of the East Cleveland Big Local which has secured funding to host the event said: “This exciting race is also a qualifying event for the Tour de Yorkshire so the riders will be really pushing themselves to win.

“We’re putting East Cleveland firmly on the national cycling map and we’re confident it’ll be a huge success.”

Councillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure, said: “We want a great atmosphere on the day, so I hope people will come out to give the riders the kind of support and welcome that we’re famous for.”

The race begins at noon on Sunday, April 2 and is expected to end around 3pm, with each lap taking approximately 40 minutes.

For further information: www.eastclevelandklondikegp.co.uk