A team of North East cyclists will race alongside Britain’s fastest riders when the Pearl Izumi Tour Series gets underway in Durham later this month.
The event, which takes place on Thursday 28 May, will feature nine professional teams along with guest team Achieve Northside Skinnergate.
The televised race will see the cyclists tackle the tough cobbled streets of Durham City as they compete to be named the top British cycling team and the champions of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series.
Jack Rees, team manager of Achieve Northside Skinnergate, said: “We are delighted to be riding the prestigious Pearl Izumi Tour Series event in Durham again this year.
“It is one of our key objectives this season and it’s an important event for both our riders and sponsors, the majority of which are based in the North East.
“The technical and demanding circuit always creates a great race and the crowds make it one of the best atmospheres we experience all season.”
Durham County Council will be hosting the Pearl Izumi-sponsored event in partnership with race organiser Sweetspot.
Defending champions JLT Condor presented by Mavic – whose riders include Olympic champion Ed Clancy, who boasts six previous individual wins in the Series – will be among the professional teams in this year’s events.
Two squads will make their debut – the ONE Pro Cycling team of England cricketer Matt Prior and Team WIGGINS.
The other teams are Madison Genesis, NFTO Pro Cycling, Pedal Heaven RT, SportGrub Kuota, Team Raleigh – GAC and Velosure Starley Primal.
The Durham round on Thursday 28 May starts at 7.30pm and pre-race action, including live music, begins at around 4.30pm.
Spectators are advised to arrive early and plan their journey into the city in advance. Free evening parking will be available at the County Hall car park and at the park and ride sites at Howlands and Sniperley. The park and ride buses will not be operating but the car parks are being made available for those wishing to walk into town.
People will also be able to watch highlights of the Durham round on ITV4 on Friday 29 May at 9pm.Further information available at www.tourseries.co.uk or www.thisisdurham.com