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 yesterday, 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.”

MP Alex Cunningham tweeted: “Delighted My home town is to host UK national circuit championships. Well done @stocktoncouncil for attracting this event.”

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

l Comment by The Northern Echo’s cycling writer Matt Westcott

The awarding of the 2018 National Circuit Championships is yet another coup for cycling in the North-East. Stockton Council has long championed cycling, both as a sport and a leisure pursuit, and it is just reward for the authority’s efforts – both financially and in terms of manpower – that these great races will be coming to the area.

Interest in cycling is growing across the region, with the likes of the Tour de Yorkshire putting the North firmly on the map when it comes to all things two-wheeled.

It will be great to once again see some of the country’s top riders duking it out on what is bound to be a testing, but thoroughly entertaining circuit in Stockton.