World class cyclists will be heading to the Stewartry in the summer.
Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas have both been chosen to hold events in the British National Road Championships which will be coming to Dumfries and Galloway in June.
Kirkcudbright will host the circuit race, Castle Douglas the road race and the Crichton in Dumfries will be the start and finish point for the time trial.
British Cycling’s chief executive Brian Facer said: “The British National Road Championships is one of the real highlights of the British racing calendar and we’re delighted to be working with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Event Scotland to take the event back to Scotland for the first time since 2013.
“With the three races taking place in the space of four days, last year’s event once again raised the bar for the championships and I can’t wait to see thousands of fans lining the roads in June to cheer on the country’s best road riders and the stars of tomorrow.
“I know just how much it means for riders to pull on the national champion’s jersey, and I’m sure we’ll be treated to more brilliant racing as they do battle for the honour again this year.”
Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright have both hosted stage finishes for the Tour of Britain in recent years with the final round of the Tour Series being held in Castle Douglas last year.
On June 24, Kirkcudbright will host the British circuit race championships around a technical 1km circuit.
Last year’s competitions were won by Jo Tindley and Ethan Hayter.
A council spokesman said: “The thousands of cyclists and cycling fans in our region will be thrilled to learn that Dumfries and Galloway is to host the British National Road Championships.
“The council is serious about supporting cycling events and we are delighted that British Cycling has chosen to come to Dumfries and Galloway for these championships.
“The three days of elite races will be must-see events for thousands of local people and visitors and take place against the backdrop of many beautiful parts of the south of Scotland.”
The road races will start and finish in Castle Douglas and pass through the town a number of times, as well as heading to the countryside.
Defending champions Pfeiffer Georgi and Ben Swift are expected to return.
VisitScotland’s director of events Paul Bush said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the 2022 British National Road Championships in Dumfries and Galloway as part of an exciting calendar of cycling events taking place this year as we build towards the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023.
“The region has a strong track record in delivering cycling events having hosted some of the country’s leading road cycling races, including the Tour of Britain and the Tour Series and will provide the perfect stage for this year’s British National Road Championships.”
Route details and further information on the event will be published nearer the time.
