Tyne Valley Cycling Club

Case Study

Olympic riders and elite enthusiasts took part in the Derwent Cycle Race an event which brought two small rural communities together to host the race. This event is the third race of the premier national British Cycling road race calendar and was organised by Tyne Valley Cycling Club.

Using the natural environment of the North Pennine Dales, 145 riders started the race from the headquarters in Edmunbyers and then cycled seven times around the Northumbrian Water’s Derwent reservoir and out onto the local roads, 84 miles and at top speeds of 60mph.

As the event has grown in size it became obvious that the original venue of Edmundbyers could not cope with the increase number of visitors, spectators, race competitors and their support teams. Mike Hodgson the race organiser approach the neighbouring village of Blanchland and the two villages worked closely together to host this very successful event. Local young people were invited to take part in a smaller race around the Dam wall to encourage families to take part and raise money for charity.

North Pennine Dales LEADER was delighted to be able to support the event as the economic and social benefit from the event was significant for the local service providers and the community of both Edmunbyers and Blanchland. It is a wonderful opportunity to encourage visitors to this hidden gem of the North Pennine Dales, take part in a prestigious event, raise the profile of the sport and the area.