A TOWN’S work to promote cycling is responsible for it hosting a visit from a premier bike race for the second year in succession.

On September 13, Darlington will host the second stage of the Tour of Britain.

Organisers of the race said Darlington’s role as a Cycling Demonstration Town was one of the major factors behind the decision to stage part of the race there.

Last year, thousands of people turned out to watch the riders, who included Olympic double gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, gold medallist Geraint Thomas and bronze medallist Chris Newton, from Middlesbrough.

It is hoped that even more people will watch the start of the race, which will take place on a Sunday this year.

Marion Bynoe, the events manager for Darlington Borough Council, said: “It is really great news. People said it was the best start of the race last year. We are going to expand what we did then.

“It was on a Friday then, but because it is on a Sunday this year, there will be lots of community groups and organisations we can involve.

“We are still planning things, but we are hoping to make a full day of it, with additional activities after the race.”

Darlington is one of only three towns in the country chosen as Cycling Demonstration Towns, and received funding to promote travelling by bike.

It is the only town in the country to be both a Cycling Demonstration Town and a Sustainable Transport Town.

Last year, children from Hummersknott School led the start of the race, and it is hoped something similar can be repeated this year.

Tour spokesman Craig Brophy said: “We received an extremely warm welcome from the people of Darlington last year. What was fantastic was the way that all the children were involved.

“That is something that is really important to us – getting young people involved.

“We want to help put Darlington on the map as Cycling Demonstration Town.”

Councillor Andy Scott said: “It is a fantastic event, and we are looking forward to being a part of it once again.”

The exact route of the stage is not yet know, but the cylists will finish in Gateshead.

Last year, they travelled 97 miles through Sedgefield, Durham City, Langley Park, Rowlands Gill, Morpeth and Whitley Bay.