Teesside cycling lovers are celebrating the news that Stockton will host the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championships.

The town was chosen by British Cycling ahead of a rival bid from the Isle of Man.

The men’s and women’s road races will take place on Sunday June 26 and the time-trials on Thursday June 23.

Recent national title winners have included Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Lizzie Armitstead, Laura Trott, Joanna Rowsell, Emma Pooley and Pete Kennaugh.

British Cycling director of cycle sport Jonny Clay said: “Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has an excellent record in staging large-scale events and they put together a very strong bid.

“I look forward to seeing their contribution to an event which is established as a landmark on the British sporting calendar with some of the biggest names in world cycling competing for the right to wear Britain’s national champion jersey for 12 months.”

Reuben Kench, Stockton Council’s head of culture, leisure and adult learning, added: “Bringing the country’s most exciting elite cycling competition to Stockton-on-Tees is a huge coup for us

“We view the evening time-trials taking place ahead of the races themselves as an opportunity for people to find a rider to root for, which will make the experience all the more personal.

“Our intention is to position the championships at the heart of our well-established Cycling Festival and in doing so, we will place elite racing alongside entertainment, fun and participation.”

Full details of the course will be confirmed in the coming months. This year’s cycling championships will be held in Lincoln from Thursday June 25 to Sunday June 28.