CYCLISTS reached speeds of up to 50mph during an evening of fast-paced road racing over the weekend.

Some of the best riders in the country were in the region for the OVO Energy Tour Series’ arrival in Durham on Saturday.

Joey Walker propelled Madison Genesis back to the top of the standings as the 21-year-old took his maiden victory by mastering the cobbles to take victory by 15 seconds from Saint Piran’s Cameron Jeffers.

He was one of four Madison Genesis riders in the top eight, with Jon Mould (third), Richard Handley (sixth) and Tom Moses (eighth) putting in an impressive performance to turn a two point deficit into a one point advantage over Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes.

Previous series leaders Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes endured a night to forget on Durham’s cobbles, finishing fourth on the night as Saint Piran excelled to take their best ever result of second.

Adding to Saint Piran’s success was road captain Steve Lampier retaking the Eisberg Points Jersey and Matt Nowell taking his first ever Brother UK Fastest Lap award.

The women’s OVO Energy Tour Series also saw change at the top, with British Circuit Race Champion Anna Henderson taking the individual win, breaking Team Breeze and Jess Roberts’ run of success.

After three race wins in a week, Roberts finished second on the night and continue in the Eisberg Sprints jersey, 16 points ahead of Campinense Velo Performance’s Jo Tindley.

Race Director Mick Bennett said: “What a way to celebrate the series’ tenth visit to Durham.

“Once again our iconic circuit around the cathedral city delivered the goods, providing the scene for an action-packed day of racing.

“I’d like to thank the crowd who came and braved less than ideal weather to watch Britain’s best in action.”