CYCLING enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend when some of the country's leading racers take to the roads.

The three-day Stockton Cycling Festival mixes competitive racing with leisurely rides around the town to celebrate the sport.

The elite racers will line up on Riverside Road at noon on Sunday to battle it out in the elite Stockton Grand Prix race.

People can watch as the elite riders set off from the Riverside, then enjoy cycling the RideStockton route, before returning to watch the Grand Prix finish between 3pm and 4pm for a gripping five lap finale through the Riverside and Teesdale.

Riders can sign up for RideStockton on the day at the registration tent on Stockton Riverside and will be in with a chance of winning prizes including a signed Chris Boardman bike.

There will also be incredible stunt demonstrations, activities and entertainment, plus refreshments on offer at the event village all day on Stockton Riverside.

The Festival kicks off with Town Centre racing tonight, when elite cyclists raced around a unique closed road circuit to mark the start of the festival in style.

Saturday sees the Sportive take centre stage as cyclists of all abilities take on challenges ranging from 36 to 106 miles. All riders enjoy an escorted start in true ‘Tour de France’ style.

And Sunday, families are being encouraged to dust off their bikes ready for the popular RideStockton event.

The fun, traffic-free, cycle ride is open to everyone, on any bike, and it’s free to enter. The route loops around Stockton High Street and Riverside and participants can cycle at a leisurely pace and are free to travel round as many times as they wish.