The Tour of the Reservoir, one of the most prestigious races in British domestic road cycling, is set to make a return in 2025 despite its absence from British Cycling’s recently announced National Road Series calendar. Steve Walton, who heads the event’s organising committee, has confirmed that plans for the race are progressing well, marking a significant moment for an event that last ran in 2019.
Since its inception in 2005, the Tour of the Reservoir has been a cornerstone of the domestic racing scene. The women’s race, added in 2014, further cemented its reputation as a key event on the British cycling calendar. However, following the sad passing of former organiser Mike Hodgson in 2020 due to coronavirus, the race has struggled to regain its footing.
The 2025 race is being organised by Walton and his committee, who have been working tirelessly to bring the event back. The race was initially set to return as part of the National Road Series in 2024, only for unforeseen obstacles to force its cancellation. Nevertheless, Walton remains resolute.
Leah Dixon wins Stage 2 and the overall title at the 2019 Tour of the Reservoir. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
“The Tour of the Reservoir is an iconic race, and it deserves its place on the calendar,” Walton said. “The 2019 edition, which finished in the heart of Consett, was a fantastic showcase for British cycling, with thousands of spectators lining the streets. We’re determined to replicate that success and more in 2025.”
Walton is currently aiming to hold the race on 15 June 2025, although he acknowledges that a definitive date is still to be confirmed. “We’re working closely with stakeholders to finalise the date,” he said. “It’s important that everything aligns to give the event the best chance of success.”
While the race’s traditional two-day format is unlikely to feature immediately, Walton and his team have already secured strong local backing to stage a one-day event in 2025. Despite speculation in the media about the race’s future, Walton is keen to set the record straight.
It’s true that we’re not on the National Road Series calendar at this stage, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be
“The race is very much on for 2025,” Walton emphasised. “It’s true that we’re not on the National Road Series calendar at this stage, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be. We’re in discussions with key stakeholders and hope to confirm everything in the coming weeks. The aim is to be part of the National Road Series – it would be a fantastic boost for the calendar, which we know has been under pressure recently.”
Walton also revealed that the race could form part of a broader festival of events in the local area, designed to bring the community together and showcase the region’s rich heritage. “This race has always been about more than just the cycling,” Walton said. “We want to create a festival atmosphere, something that can attract people from all walks of life and put the North East on the map.”
Ben Healy and Ollie Wood at the 2019 Tour of the Reservoir. Image: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
The men’s and women’s races both have a storied history. James Shaw, now riding for EF Education-EasyPost, won the men’s edition in 2019, then riding for SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling. Leah Dixon, competing for Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm, claimed victory in the women’s event that same year. The 2019 edition marked a high point for the race, with its final stage drawing significant crowds to Consett.
Getting the race back to its full format is what we’re all working towards
A statement on the event’s website indicates that Walton and his organising committee are actively seeking a replacement sponsor for the race. The message reads:
“The organisation of the Alexandra Women’s and Men’s Tour of the Reservoir are actively seeking a replacement sponsor. At the start of 2024 we were set to be able to announce plans for 3 years for both events. However, restrictions placed on us have prevented this at the very time we were to announce it. Our replacement sponsor will have full headline billing and branding opportunities.”
While a new sponsor would assist in delivering the 2025 event, Walton’s main aim is to restore the race to its traditional two-day format by 2026. “Getting the race back to its full format is what we’re all working towards,” Walton explained. “Next year is about rebuilding, but the vision for 2026 is to bring back the event people know and love.”
A final decision about the race’s future is expected in the coming weeks. For now, the determination of Walton and his committee provides a glimmer of hope for one of Britain’s most-loved domestic races.
The Tour of the Reservoir, one of the most prestigious races in British domestic road cycling, is set to make a return in 2025 despite its absence from British Cycling’s recently announced National Road Series calendar. Steve Walton, who heads the event’s organising committee, has confirmed that plans for the race are progressing well, marking a significant moment for an event that last ran in 2019.
Since its inception in 2005, the Tour of the Reservoir has been a cornerstone of the domestic racing scene. The women’s race, added in 2014, further cemented its reputation as a key event on the British cycling calendar. However, following the sad passing of former organiser Mike Hodgson in 2020 due to coronavirus, the race has struggled to regain its footing.
The 2025 race is being organised by Walton and his committee, who have been working tirelessly to bring the event back. The race was initially set to return as part of the National Road Series in 2024, only for unforeseen obstacles to force its cancellation. Nevertheless, Walton remains resolute.
“The Tour of the Reservoir is an iconic race, and it deserves its place on the calendar,” Walton said. “The 2019 edition, which finished in the heart of Consett, was a fantastic showcase for British cycling, with thousands of spectators lining the streets. We’re determined to replicate that success and more in 2025.”
Walton is currently aiming to hold the race on 15 June 2025, although he acknowledges that a definitive date is still to be confirmed. “We’re working closely with stakeholders to finalise the date,” he said. “It’s important that everything aligns to give the event the best chance of success.”
While the race’s traditional two-day format is unlikely to feature immediately, Walton and his team have already secured strong local backing to stage a one-day event in 2025. Despite speculation in the media about the race’s future, Walton is keen to set the record straight.
“The race is very much on for 2025,” Walton emphasised. “It’s true that we’re not on the National Road Series calendar at this stage, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be. We’re in discussions with key stakeholders and hope to confirm everything in the coming weeks. The aim is to be part of the National Road Series – it would be a fantastic boost for the calendar, which we know has been under pressure recently.”
Walton also revealed that the race could form part of a broader festival of events in the local area, designed to bring the community together and showcase the region’s rich heritage. “This race has always been about more than just the cycling,” Walton said. “We want to create a festival atmosphere, something that can attract people from all walks of life and put the North East on the map.”
The men’s and women’s races both have a storied history. James Shaw, now riding for EF Education-EasyPost, won the men’s edition in 2019, then riding for SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling. Leah Dixon, competing for Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm, claimed victory in the women’s event that same year. The 2019 edition marked a high point for the race, with its final stage drawing significant crowds to Consett.
A statement on the event’s website indicates that Walton and his organising committee are actively seeking a replacement sponsor for the race. The message reads:
“The organisation of the Alexandra Women’s and Men’s Tour of the Reservoir are actively seeking a replacement sponsor. At the start of 2024 we were set to be able to announce plans for 3 years for both events. However, restrictions placed on us have prevented this at the very time we were to announce it. Our replacement sponsor will have full headline billing and branding opportunities.”
While a new sponsor would assist in delivering the 2025 event, Walton’s main aim is to restore the race to its traditional two-day format by 2026. “Getting the race back to its full format is what we’re all working towards,” Walton explained. “Next year is about rebuilding, but the vision for 2026 is to bring back the event people know and love.”
A final decision about the race’s future is expected in the coming weeks. For now, the determination of Walton and his committee provides a glimmer of hope for one of Britain’s most-loved domestic races.
Featured image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
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