A CYCLE race around a North-East reservoir has been launched by one of the region’s top police officers.

Durham’s police chief Jon Stoddart is backing the return of one of the top road races in the country on Sunday, March 28.

In full racing regalia, Mr Stoddart, a keen amateur rider, together with top riders from the Pinerello team and a former gold medallist tested the course around Derwent reservoir yesterday.

Mr Stoddart, 50, said: “This is a major event, which puts County Durham in the national spotlight.

“As a keen sportsman, and an enthusiastic cyclist, and in my wider community role as chief constable, I’m keen to support the event, which puts the county in a positive light and reminds people that as well as being a great and safe place to live, it is also a fantastic place to visit and enjoy a holiday.”

More than 100 elite and Olympic male riders representing the best of British cycling will race seven times around Derwent reservoir, near Consett – covering 84 miles – at speeds of up to 60mph.

The event is officially named the Northumbrian Water Tour of the Reservoir Road Race and riders will cross the finish line on the dam wall, after about four hours of racing.

It is the first race of this year’s premier national British Cycling road race calendar and has been organised by the Tyne Valley Cycling Club, with support from Northumbrian Water.

Alistair Baker, Northumbrian Water’s communications and public relations manager, said: “Water is vital for both a healthy life and for sporting performance and the 1,000 acres of our magnificent Derwent reservoir makes a spectacular backdrop for this major national cycling event, which we are once again proud to host and sponsor.”