THOUSANDS of spectators converged on Durham City last night to witness the thrills and spills of the opening round of the 2011 Halford Tour Series.

Regarded as the toughest circuit of the series, cyclists had to contend with conditions more in keeping with continental races.

Cobbles on steep hills and sharp technical bends were among the challenges faced by the world’s elite cyclists, who came from as far afield as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Among the North-East contestants were James Moss, of Newcastle, riding in the Endura Racing team and Matt Kipling, of Bishop Auckland, riding with Team Raleigh.

Starting and finishing at Durham School, the circuit took in Margery Lane, Crossgate, South Street and Grove Street.

At 15-minute intervals, the peloton also contested three sprints.

Australian Zak Dempster was the overall winner of the race. The 23-year-old is a member of Rapha Condor Sharp, which also picked up the winning team prize.

The sprint winner was 31- year-old Briton Kristian House, who also races with Rapha Condor Sharp.

Mick Bennett, technical director of the Halfords Tour Series, said: “Durham proved to be one of the iconic rounds of the 2010 Halfords Tour Series, and it will certainly start this year’s series in the most spectacular way.”

The free event, supported by Durham County Council, was the first of eight races countrywide.

Highlights of Round One from Durham will be shown on ITV4 at 8pm tonight, with a repeat at 11am tomorrow.

The next races will be held every Tuesday and Thursday throughout May and June.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of the Halfords Tour Series, said: “It was a great night and a good race, a good finish and a big crowd.

“The weather was kind to us when it quite easily could have turned nasty.”

Mr Roberts paid tribute to the organisers of the race, saying: “We have a great relationship with Durham. The team at Durham County Council have worked really hard to make it happen this year.

“In straightened times it’s not a great time to be organising events, but Durham has stepped up to the plate and realised that it has a great economic impact.

“There is a great impact everywhere we go, with great crowds. Everywhere we go, everyone comes out to watch it for nothing.

“Obviously what we’re trying to do is encourage the kids to cycle as well.”

For more information, visit tourseries.co.uk