THE stage is set for a town to host a cycling event which will combine family fun with competitive racing.

Velo29, which made its debut in Bishop Auckland last year, will return to the town on Wednesday, August 12.

It will see riders take on a 1km circuit in the town centre featuring wide open sections and fast corners.

A youth race will get underway at 6.45pm and senior race will be held at 8pm.

Top teams, including the North-East’s Achieve Northside Skinnergate Elite Cycling Team, will take part and organisers say it could be part of an elite cycling series in future years.

Spectators will see competitors race past very frequently as the best riders will complete a lap around every 90 seconds, at speeds of about 60km an hour, and commentators will keep the crowds posted on all the action.

The course includes North Bondgate, an s-bend section in front of Bishop Auckland Town Hall and the narrow and dark Fore Bondgate so promises plenty of twists and turns, tight bends and sprint sections.

Before the race there will also be a Ride Bishop and Family Fun Ride, at 5pm, which has been organised by Durham County Council in partnership with Bishop Auckland Town Council and Local Motion.

This will include an adult ride from 5.15pm and a superhero themed family fun ride from 5.45pm.

Spectators are encouraged to go along and cheer on cyclists taking part.

Last year’s winner Harry Tanfield, who is taking part again this year, said: “I enjoyed racing at the Bishop Auckland course last year.

“It has a good mix of fast and technical sections and although the narrow sections make it more difficult I definitely prefer it that way.

“It was particularly pleasing to win the first Velo29 in the town last year.

“I’m just coming back from injury, but I’ll be trying to make it two wins in a row.”

As well as the main Velo29 event there will be other entertainment, including a performance from BMX champion and Guinness World Record holder Matti Hemmings.

The free event has been supported by Durham County Councillor Sam Zair through his neighbourhood budget via Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.

To book a place on the fun rides, which are free to enter, contact the culture and sport team at Durham County Council on 03000-266 555 or email sportandleisure@durham.gov.uk