The Tyne Valley is hoping a leading cycling event will make its return to the region later this summer.

The Tour of Britain, which has visited Tynedale several times in recent years, is set to contest a stage in September between Kendal in Cumbria and Gateshead.

As a result and although the route is yet to be revealed, it’s hoped the race will again pass through our region with some of the sport’s top stars set to lead the way.

In 2015, the region welcomed several world famous riders including both Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish who both contested the event.

That year’s running of the race saw the local stage begin in Prudhoe and travel over 100 miles before ending at Hartside, near Alston, with towns such as Stocksfield, Riding Mill, Hexham and Haydon Bridge all also being part of the route.

2019 also saw the region welcome the race, with villages including Snods Edge, Shotleyfield and Edmundbyers all featuring in the event.

Usually the event takes place each September, but last year it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kendal - Gateshead stage is set to be the sixth of a total of eight planned on the tour’s itinerary, with over 100 riders set to contest the competition.

Beginning in Penzance in Cornwall on Sunday September 5, the tour will head north throughout the week of action ending with the final stage a week later between Stonehaven and Aberdeen in Scotland.

The Tour of Britain will, as like in previous years, be free to attend for spectators who want to catch a glimpse of the action.

2019’s running of the event saw Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel take the tour victory, winning three of the eight stages along the way.

More information about the 2021 Tour of Britain is set to be announced in the coming weeks.