Olympic pedal power round reservoir

29/03/2007

Olympic stars and elite riders representing the best of British cycle racing will compete in the North East this weekend.

Derwent cycle race programme  

The male riders will race seven times around Northumbrian Water’s Derwent reservoir near Consett, County Durham – covering a distance of 140km (84 miles) and at speeds of up to 60mph.

Among the 130 racers from the countries top teams chasing individual honours will be riders who will be at next years Olympic Games, others who may race for Britain at the London 2012 Olympics – and some still competing at the highest level aged over forty years old.

The race will be extra special for those veterans as the Derwent reservoir is also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2007.

The event, officially named the ‘Northumbrian Water Tour of the Reservoir Road Race’ starts at 10.30am on Sunday 1 April from race headquarters in the village of Edmundbyers.

Riders on each circuit will cycle over the reservoir dam where the finishing line will also be located.

It is the opening race of the premier national British Cycling road race 2007 seven-race series.

Organised by the Tyne Valley Cycling Club with title sponsorship from Northumbrian Water the race is also supported by One North East and Durham County Council.

Reporters and photographers are invited to gather at Derwent reservoir leisure lodge, at the foot of the dam near Derwent Bridge on the B6278, at noon on Friday 30 March to meet Olympic riders and others over 40 years old in advance of the big day.

The race offers a colourful and thrilling spectacle but those lining the route must be aware of safety and parking is limited. Stretches of the B6306 and the B6278 from the western end of the reservoir at Carrick Corner to the junction of the A68 will also be closed to traffic from 10.00am to 2pm.

David Archbold, Northumbrian Water’s Head of Commercial will present the trophies and the champagne to the winner on the podium. He said: “Water is vital for both a healthy life and for sporting performance and the 1,000 acres of our magnificent Derwent reservoir makes a spectacular backdrop for this major national cycling event which we are proud to host and sponsor.

“We will also be supplying bottles of Northumbrian Water’s 97 tap water to refresh and hydrate the riders as they race.”

• Two of the riders aged over 40 who will be available for interview on Friday 30 March are Malcolm Elliott and Adrian Timmis, members of the Pinarello team. Both have ridden in the Tour de France and Malcolm won the Tour of Britain in the 1980’s.

• Also available for interview on Friday 30 March will be 18-year-old Alex Dowsett who has set the cycling world alight since he began riding five years ago. Now a GB and world championship winner of junior and senior road races, Alex is the current number one in the UK rankings of elite riders in his age group.

For further information contact: Alistair Baker, communications and pr manager, Northumbrian Water on 0191-301-6851 or race organiser Mike Hodgson on 07816-662947 or 01207-255219