North East cyclists gear up ahead of Tour Series

Taking place on Tuesday 10 August from 5:30pm, The Tour Series is a fun, fast and free spectator event that returns for its 12th edition this August.  

Races will take place in a circuit outside of Mowbray Park with the final race setting off at 7pm. Races will last 45 minutes for the women's events, and one hour for men. Visitors can also enjoy the build up by visiting Mowbray Park from 12pm where they can enjoy a range of food, drink and free family activities.  

Launched in 2009, the televised series sees Britain's best male and female riders compete against each other in a unique, team-based format as part of a day of sporting and community-focused activities. British sporting heroes, including several Olympians and Tour de France riders have competed in the series during its history and nearly two million fans have watched a round. 

Hannah Farran, from Team Boompods, and Joe Wilson, from Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling, joined Sunderland City Council's Assistant Director of Culture and Events, Victoria French, in Mowbray Park to celebrate the event.

Victoria French said: "We are delighted to be hosting round two of the Tour Series in our city. After so many events in Sunderland were cancelled due to the pandemic over the last year, it is brilliant that one of the first few to take place is such a prestigious competition.

"There is something for everyone taking place in Mowbray Park, so both cycling enthusiasts and new fans of all ages will enjoy this exciting new event." 

Hannah Farran, from Team Boompods, said: "Living in the North East I'm passionate about the area, and especially after the last year and a half of no events due to the pandemic it's brilliant to get two rounds in our region.

"The level is so much higher than when we left in 2019 and that motivates us to work really hard. Especially with the round taking place in the North East we just want to do really well."

Joe Wilson, from Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling, said: "We have had Tour Series previously in Durham, but it is fantastic to now have it in Sunderland. We can bring along our friends and family, and it makes it even more of a special event.

"For many people this is something that you may not have seen before, and because the track is so short, you'll get to see a lot of cycling as the competitors will be lapping around the park multiple times. Everyone will feel like they're part of the action, and I hope people come along to see it."

Visit www.mysunderland.co.uk/tourseries to keep up to date with the latest information on the Tour Series