New Hartlepool 750m cycle track set to open at Summerhill Country Park this weekend

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A day of fun activities will mark the official launch of the new cycle track at Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool.

The launch event on Saturday (October 15) will begin at 9.45am, with the official opening taking place from 10-10.30am.

Cyclist Harry Tanfield, from Great Ayton and who rides for British team Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling, will be a special guest.

A range of activities is planned to take place after the launch, including BMX demonstrations and taster session, a bouncy castle and a disco.

An aerial view of the cycling track, which is set to open at the weekend.

Daniel Garthwaite, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Participation and Strategy Manager, said: “The cycling track looks great and is a fantastic asset to have in the town.

"We hope people will come along and join us for what promises to be a great day.”

The 750m track – made possible by funding from Sport England and Hartlepool Borough Council – has been built to provide accessible, traffic-free community cycling facilities and opportunities for people of all ages and cycling abilities.

It is fenced and floodlit and built on gently sloping terrain, and incorporates varying elevations and degrees of cornering difficulty.

Money has also been secured for a separate children’s learn-to-ride area next to Summerhill Visitor Centre.

First look inside Summerhill Country Park café as Daisy and Beas reopens the sit...

Here are some of the events taking place after the launch on Saturday and how you can join them:

- Just ride/learn to ride on the track with Manilla Cycling Club 10.30am-11.15am. Book online at https://goteamup.com/p/4111282-manilla-cycling/ and use the code “SUMMERHILL” for free access if this is your first session.

- BMX demonstrations and taster session on the BMX track, with North East BMX Club, 10.30am-12pm.

- Cycle Clinic inside the visitors centre, 10.30am-12pm.

- Physical activity sessions on the grassed area beside the visitors centre, 11am-1pm.

- Go Ride Racing and Skills TT on the track, with Manilla Cycling Club, 11.30am-1pm. Book online at https://goteamup.com/p/4111282-manilla-cycling/

- Various activities in the visitors centre, including a bouncy castle and disco, 12pm-3pm.

- Inclusive recreational cycling opportunities with access to bikes on the track, 1pm-3pm.

Car parking at Summerhill will be limited, although additional parking will be available nearby, including at Catcote Academy and English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College.

A full parking plan and other information is available at www.activehartlepool.co.uk/summerhill-cycle-track.