THRILLING cycle racing will be back in the North-East on Thursday when the Pearl Izumi Tour Series returns to Durham.

Thousands of people are expected to line the city’s cobbled streets as elite athletes including Olympic champion Ed Clancy go head-to-head in the fifth race of the ten-stage team series event.

It is the sixth consecutive year the nationwide tour has visited Durham and last year’s race, which was watched by 12,500 spectators, is said have boosted the economy by almost £300,000.

The race gets underway on Grove Street at 7.30pm and will last about 75 minutes on a 1.4km circuit. Riders will pedal along Margery Lane before hitting the steep downward slope of Crossgate, where the best will hope to reach top speeds of around 50kph.

Then comes a punishingly sharp right hand bend and a long climb up South Street, offering spectators stunning views of Durham Cathedral, before a sprint to the finish line near Durham School.

Entry to the event is free and there will be pre-race entertainment with live music and fun from 4.30pm.

Cyclists from Durham and York universities will stage their own race, as will the police, fire brigade and local team Hetton Hawks.

Spectators are advised to plan their journey in advance and arrive early.

Free 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 operating. Various road closures will be in place during the day.

Jon Mould of NFTO Pro Cycling was the big winner in Durham last year, tasting success in the individual race and the sprint contest.

This year’s series began on the Isle of Wight earlier this month and the Madison Genesis team led the way following round three in Aberystwyth on Friday (May 22) going into the fourth stage in Motherwell last night (Tuesday).

Nine professional teams will contest the Durham race, including Ed Clancy’s JLT Condor, ex-cricketer Matt Prior’s ONE Pro Cycling and Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Team Wiggins, plus local guest side Achieve Northside Skinnergate.

Highlights of the Durham race, hosted by Durham County Council and organised by Sweetspot, will be on ITV4 on Friday (May 29) at 9pm. For more information, visit thetourseries.co.uk