Cycling race and festival to return in 2026
George Ledger/Project GenesisA cycling event which saw a European champion race will be back in 2026, organisers have confirmed.
Consett will once again host the Tour of the Reservoir and an accompanying cycle festival next June, after positive feedback from participants and local businesses.
The event returned for the first time since 2019 this year, with European Cyclocross Champion Jente Michels among the racing cyclists.
Organiser Stephen Walton said the long-term aim was to bring the race back to its previous two-day format.
He added the "challenging" race had been welcomed by participants.
"They wanted a hard race and they certainly got it," Mr Walton said.
"It's not a boring course. It's really kept them on their toes."
Michels, from Belgium, previously told the BBC it had been "the hardest race I've done in my life" and that he would "absolutely" take part again.
About 100 men and about 70 women competed in the Tour of the Reservoir.
This year's event was in memory of Mike Hodgson, who had been organising the race for nearly four decades until his death in 2020.
"I think he would be pleased that someone's taken it on and all the work that he's put in over the years to get the reputation it has has not gone to waste," Mr Walton said.
The date for next year's race is yet to be confirmed.