SPORTS fans are gearing up for a summer of cycling.

The three-day Stockton Cycling Festival from July 6 to 8 will transform the town centre’s streets and riverside with events for cyclists and spectators alike.

Yesterday, former Commonwealth gold medallist Paul Curran, of Thornaby, near Stockton, officially launched the event.

Uniquely among UK cycling events, the festival features all of the British Cycling organisation’s key programmes for the sport.

That means there will be both a mass participation Sky Ride event for all ages and abilities and also a high-level Premier Calendar road race, contested by the country’s leading riders.

On the Sunday there will be family activities, including the Sky Ride, BMX and trials displays, cycle coaching, music, dance and other entertainment, along with age group races and the climax, the Premier Calendar road race.

Paul Curran, a winner of 21 races in the Premier Calendar, said: “It’s fantastic to see Stockton promoting a cycling event catering for everyone who enjoys riding their bike. I’ll be joining the Friday night High Street crowds to watch the Elite Circuit Series race.”

Jane Sinclair, from Billingham, who has never turned a wheel in any cycling event until now, is also supporting the event.

She has entered the 35- mile Sportive challenge at the festival.

She said: “I’ve not been a regular cyclist for many years but am looking forward to training for a longer ride than I’m used to, which should be an experience to remember.”

Registration for Sky Ride Stockton is free – for details, visit goskyride.com/ Stockton-on-Tees For other events, see stockton.gov.uk/cycling festival and personalpodium.co.uk