AYCLIFFE Velo held their first official cyclocross race at the weekend.

Cyclocross is a sport that takes modified road bikes off road in races that typically last for 60 minutes and include obstacles where you need to dismount and run with the bike over your shoulder.

The event was held at Billy Hall Farm near Crook and hosted on behalf of the North East Cyclocross League’s (NECCL) Saturday Series.

It saw nine U12s enter the first race at 12pm and 41 senior competitors, both male and female, take part in the main race at 1.30pm.

The course was tough due to the inclines involved but competitors seemed up for the challenge.

Aycliffe Velo have a group of competitors who race in two local North East Leagues over the winter months and the club has committed to run one of the events this year.

"The club also runs its own beginners rides, social rides and training rides with groups cycling together most days of the week. Club members regularly enter cycling sportives across the region and enjoy a yearly trip abroad for a cycling holiday to various destinations," said a spokesman.

"If you want to join the club or are interested in taking up cycling then do get in touch."