A PROFESSIONAL cycling race the Tour of Britain will pass through Teesdale later this summer.
Rolling road closures will be in place through much of the dale as some of the world’s top cyclists race through on September 6.
The route forms part of the third stage of the event which goes from Durham to Sunderland.
It is not yet known at what time the peloton will enter Teesdale.
Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager said closure requirements had yet to be determined.
He added: “Any authorised closures that are put in place would be rolling and for a short period to minimise disruption to other road users.
“We will publish the full details on our website once they have been confirmed.”
What is known is that the cyclists will enter Teesdale at Langdon Beck coming from the direction of St John’s Chapel
They will then continue on to Middleton-in-Teesdale, before heading out to Barnard Castle, via Mickleton, Romaldkirk, Cotherstone and Lartington.
The group will then head out of Barnard Castle along Harmire Road, pass through Kinninvie and up Billy Lane to Woodland.
It will turn right at the Edge Hotel, down to Copley, along Copley Bent and up Lands Road to Toft Hill.
The peloton will leave Teesdale at Etherley.
A Tour of Britain spokesperson described the inclusion of the Durham to Sunderland stage as historic.
It kicks off from Durham Catherdral.
The spokesperson said: “Durham has never previously hosted a stage start or finish in a professional edition of the Tour of Britain.
“Stage three’s route will initially head west, taking the peloton through the North Pennines AONB, before heading back through County Durham and into Sunderland.”
The stage ends at Sunderland City Hall.
