ELITE cycle racing will return to Durham next month (May).

For the sixth consecutive year, the city will host a stage of the thrilling Pearl Izumi Tour Series.

Durham’s race will see nine teams of professional cyclists plus a guest team hurtling round the city’s cobbled on the evening of Thursday, May 28.

It will be the fifth in a ten-race series and the North-East course is notorious for its tight bends and punishing climbs.

The event always attracts thousands of spectators, with the corner of Crossgate and South Street a particularly popular viewing spot as riders reach speeds of up to 50kph down towards North Road before taking a sharp right hand bend and starting a long, steep ascent.

Among those taking part will be defending champions JLT Condor, who count Olympic champion Ed Clancy among their ranks, the One Pro Cycling team of England cricketer Matt Prior and Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Team Wiggins.

The series starts on the Isle of Wight on May 14 and ends in Bath on June 11. Highlights of all the early evening races will be shown the following night on ITV4.

The Durham race starts at 7.30pm, with pre-race entertainment from 4.30pm. Entry is free.

Spectators are advised to arrive early and plan their journey into the city. Free evening parking will be available at County Hall and the park and ride sites at Howlands and Sniperley, although the park and ride buses will not be running.

The race is hosted by Durham County Council and organised by Sweetspot. For more information, visit tourseries.co.uk or this is durham.com