A NORTH-EAST town is gearing up to host a major cycling event this summer.

Won by Katie Archibald and Tom Pidcock in 2017, The National Circuit Championships will be hosted as part of the Stockton Cycling Festival in July.

Described as one of the highlights of the elite road racing calendar, the event will see some of the country’s top professional cyclists compete for the prestigious red, white and blue national champions’ jersey.

The race was announced by British Cycling today, with the organisation set to bring the championships to the town following the successful National Road Championships event, held in Stockton in 2016.

British Cycling’s director of cycling, Jonny Clay, said: “We are delighted to be taking the 2018 National Circuit Championships to Stockton.

“The town has hosted the Stockton Cycling Festival for the last seven years and did a fantastic job hosting our National Road Championships in 2016, with thousands of people turning out to enjoy some brilliant racing.

“These championships will once again give the people of the North East the opportunity to witness some of the country’s finest riders in action and we look forward to welcoming another passionate crowd to the event.”

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Norma Wilburn, said: “Stockton Cycling Festival is already a popular part of our year-round events programme and the addition of the renowned 2018 National Circuit Championships to this year’s event is yet another coup for our national reputation as a first class destination for events and festivals.

“The National Circuit Championships will not only attract visitors from far and wide, it will also give local people an opportunity to watch elite racing while taking part in recreational riding and other cycling based activities.

“We can’t wait to welcome British Cycling to Stockton again and have no doubt that there will be a great atmosphere and support for the competitors.”

  • The 2018 HSBC UK National Circuit Championships will be staged on Friday, July 13. For more information, visit britishcycling.org.uk.