DETAILS of an annual race have been announced which will see elite cyclists battle it out over cobbled city streets in front of thousands of spectators.

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series returns to Durham on Tuesday, May 31 for the seventh consecutive year, with Britain’s best professional cyclists competing on a tough circuit of the city.

Six professional teams will compete across 10 rounds of racing at venues around the country, joined by guest teams including North East team Planet X Northside which will take part in the Northern rounds.

Durham’s tough cobbled route features as round six on this year’s race calendar. Last year, more than 12,000 spectators lined the route which starts and ends on Margery Lane and includes a high-speed downhill on Crossgate and a punishing climb up the cobbles along South Street.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning at Durham County Council, said: “The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is always a popular event and we’re looking forward to welcoming Britain’s top cyclists back to our city.

“We’re expecting to see thousands of people lining the route to cheer on the teams as they tackle the cobbles and steep climbs that are a renowned feature of the Durham City round.

“It’s a great atmosphere and we’re reminding those coming in to the city to watch to arrive early and plan their journey in advance.”

The action will get underway with a number of pre-race events, starting at 4.45pm with the Blue Light Race, between cyclists from the county’s police and fire services.

This will be followed by the Durham City Velo cycle club ride at 5pm; Bishop Auckland Cycle Club ride at 5.15pm; the universities race, with teams from Durham, Sheffield, York and Derby, at 5.30pm; and two laps of the circuit by members of the local cycling club Hetton Hawks at 5.45pm.

The warm-up for the main event will start at 6.30pm with the cyclists being under starters orders at 7.30pm.

Presentations to the winning cyclists from this year’s sixth round will take place at 8.45pm.

Throughout the evening the crowds will be entertained by Oompah Brass – which will also be performing in the 10th Durham Brass Festival.

People going to watch the event can park at County Hall or at the park and ride sites at Howlands and Sniperley.

Park and ride buses will only operate until the normal time of 7pm, but the car parks will remain open for those wishing to walk back from town.