Tour of Britain comes to the Tees Valley

Today will see thousands of people lining the streets of the Tees Valley as the region plays host to the Tour of Britain.

The cycling race starts in Darlington, where riders will then head to Stockton, through the North York Moors, before finishing at Redcar seafront.

One of the biggest names in this year's event is Olympic gold medallist Tom Pidcock.

Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture and Deputy Leader of the Council said: "This is a huge sporting event with an international profile and it’s a wonderful opportunity to show off our incredibly beautiful countryside, coast and towns to an audience of millions.

"We can’t wait to welcome not only these elite athletes but cycling enthusiasts - and those who just want to soak up the atmosphere - from across the country. It’s exciting that we have the chance to show off our beautiful borough on the national, and international stage for this iconic sporting event.

"We are building a reputation as a key cycling venue across the country after a number of prestigious races held here and it’s easy to see why with our amazing scenery including Saltburn Bank and the coast. We’re looking forward to welcoming cycling enthusiasts - and people simply looking to soak up the incredible atmosphere - on the big day.”

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council says the most popular locations to watch the action are expected to be Saltburn and the finish at Redcar.

They added the leading cyclists are expected at stage finish at about 2.50pm which will be on Coast Road in Redcar, alongside Zetland Park, where there will be a big screen showing the ITV4 coverage of the race throughout the day and street entertainment.

Expected times for cyclists in Redcar and Cleveland.

Please be aware these timings may change depending on circumstances (note, outrider cars will be in these locations about 15 minutes before the cyclists):

Easington – 1.57pm

Loftus – 2pm

Brotton – 2.06pm, returning at 2.35pm

Saltburn – 2.11pm, returning at 2.37pm

Skelton – 2.19pm

Lingdale – 2.24pm

Marske – 2.46pm

Redcar – 2.50pm

Road closures and transport

On Wednesday 4th September, several roads will be closed to ensure the safety of the public and cyclists.

• Full closure - Lord Street from Zetland roundabout to Lime Rd - from 6pm, 3 September until 6pm 4

• Full closure - Coast Road, between The Crescent to Zetland Roundabout - from 6am until 7pm, 4 September

• Partial closures - The Crescent from Coast Road to Park Avenue - between 1pm and 4.30pm, 4 September

• Partial closure - Coast Road between Green Lane and The Crescent - between 9am and 6pm - 4 September

• Partial Closure - Lilac Road from Oak to The Crescent/Coast Rd - between 9am and 6pm, 4 September.

A rolling road closure will be enforced throughout the day on the route. This means roads on and around the race route will be closed for the short period in which it takes the race to pass by – usually about 10 to 15 minutes. This will be indicated by police escort vehicles.

Effected roads for Rolling Closure A174 from Cowbar through Easington to Loftus, A174 Loftus Bank, A174 Brotton Rd, Carlin How, Brotton Rd, Brotton, High St, Brotton, Saltburn Rd, Brotton, Brotton to Saltburn Road, Saltburn Rd, Saltburn, Saltburn Bank, Glenside, Saltburn, Albion Terrace, Saltburn, Victoria Terrace, Saltburn, Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn, Guisborough Road, Saltburn, Hob Hill Lane, Saltburn, A174 Marske Lane, Skelton, Green Rd, Skelton, Boosbeck Rd, Skelton Green, High St, Boosbeck, Lingdale Rd, Lingdale, High St, Lingdale, Kilton Lane, Lingdale, Kilton Thorpe Lane, A174 Brotton Bypass, Brotton Rd, Brotton, High St, Brotton, Saltburn Rd, Brotton, Brotton to Saltburn Road, Saltburn Rd, Saltburn , Saltburn Bank, Glenside, Saltburn, Albion Terrace, Saltburn, Victoria Terrace, Saltburn, Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn, Guisborough Road, Saltburn, Hob Hill Lane, Saltburn, Marske Lane, Marske, High St, Marske, Coast Rd, Marske, Finish Line Coast Rd, Redcar.

The Council said: "We are also asking residents not to park on the route on race day. If necessary, vehicles may be removed. Yellow signage will be placed where parking is restricted along with yellow “no waiting” cones in the week leading up to the race.

"For parking, there will be a ‘park and stride’ from Redcar Racecourse where people can park for free. The finish is a 15 minute walk away. There will also be parking at Kirkleatham Street, Seafield and Majuba car parks in Redcar. Please note, there will be no parking whatsoever directly at the finish.

"The road closures might also cause disruptions with the bus services. We advise residents to check with bus providers before traveling on this day."