The Tour of Britain will head to Sunderland for the first time when it takes place later this year.
Stage three of the UK’s most prestigious cycle race will finish in the city on Tuesday, September 6 as the eight-day event works its way down from Aberdeenshire to the Isle of Wight.
Over 100 of the world’s best riders will compete in the 18 th edition of the race and large crowds of cycling fans and Sunderland residents are expected to turn out to see the free-to-watch event.
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The full route for stage three, including the start venue and finish location, will be revealed in due course.
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “ Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps!
"The 2022 race is shaping up to be another unforgettable edition of the race, particularly since we’re mixing familiar regions, with new areas like Sunderland, places we’ve never fully explored and those we’ve been unable to visit for many years.
"Hopefully today’s announcement whets the appetite while we finalise the route of this stage in the North East.
"Rest assured, we’ve got some more surprises to come!”
While it may be the modern race’s first visit to Sunderland, the city welcomed the Milk Race – a semi-professional forerunner of the Tour of Britain – on multiple occasions during its 35-year history.
It also hosted a round of the Tour Series, Britain’s leading domestic cycle race series, in August 2021 on a circuit centered around the historic Mowbray Park.
Stage six of the Tour of Britain ended in Gateshead last year.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the UK’s most prestigious cycle race to our city for the very first time in September.
"The Tour of Britain is a hugely popular event and hosting the tour presents the perfect opportunity for showcasing our fabulous city.
"The sheer spectacle of over a 100 of the world’s best riders racing through our city will truly be a sight to behold.
"It promises to be a brilliant day out for residents and visitors alike and one which we hope people will flock to see.
“We’re also hoping that seeing elite riders in action will inspire more people to take to their bikes as part of our exciting programme of swim bike run activities in the coming years.
"This is all about encouraging more people to be active and take advantage of our wonderful city, green spaces and fantastic coastline, not to mention all the physical and mental health benefits that being active brings with it.”
This year’s Tour of Britain will visit the following regions:
Stage one Sunday, September 4 - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Stage two Monday, September 5 - South of Scotland
Stage three Tuesday, September 6 - North East of England and Sunderland
Stage four Wednesday, September 7 - Redcar and Cleveland and North Yorkshire
Stage five Thursday, September 8 - Nottinghamshire
Stage six Friday, September 9 - Gloucestershire
Stage seven Saturday, September 10 - Dorset
Stage eight Sunday, September 11 - Isle of Wight
