THE thrills and spills of elite cycling will return to the North-East’s streets later this week (Thursday, May 16).

Durham’s ancient and cobbled streets will again host the fiercely competitive Tour Series; with the racing starting at 7pm on Thursday.

Ten teams of five top-drawer professional cyclists, plus two guest teams including North-East-based Velo 29-Blackhawk, will tackle a punishingly steep circuit which starts and ends at Durham School.

Thousands of people, cycling devotees and casual fans alike, are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the action.

This year’s event is sponsored by Pearl Izumi and has been arranged by Durham County Council, Visit County Durham and specialists Sweetspot.

Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It is fantastic to have a local team competing at such a high level, helping to put cycling in the region and Durham on the national and international stage.

“The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is now an established and highly regarded professional cycling event and we wish all competitors for the Velo 29-Blackhawk team the very best of luck.”

The 11-stage Tour Series begins in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, tonight (Tuesday, May 14) and takes in Stoke, Aberystwyth, Torquay, Canary Wharf and other destinations before ending in Ipswich on Friday, June 14.

The Durham stage, the second round, is widely thought to be the most demanding, with steep climbs, narrow streets and sharp corners. Competitors have described it as purgatory.

The race will take place over about an hour from 7pm with teams battling to place their top three riders as high as possible in the finishing positions and gain maximum team points.

From 4.30pm, Durham School pupils will compete in an inter-house race on the same circuit.

Road closures and restrictions will be in force during Thursday. Various parking locations are available but visitors are advised to use the Belmont park-and-ride bus service, which will be open until 10pm.

Watching the race from the roadside is free.

Highlights of each race are shown on ITV4 at 10pm the following evening. For more information, visit thetourseries.co.uk