THE North-East will once again host some of the country’s leading cyclists tomorrow, with round six of the women’s HSBC UK National Road Series and round seven of the men’s HSBC UK National Road Series both taking place at the Stockton Grand Prix.

The one-day Grand Prix sees the women’s race, which takes place over 70 miles, start at 9am, with the men’s race, run over 110 miles, due to begin in the afternoon at 1pm.

The women’s field will see series leader Rebecca Durrell (Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm) looking to extend her lead at the top of the standings.

Her biggest threat could well come from third-placed Elizabeth Bennett (Campinense – Velo Performance), who will be heading into the race full of confidence following last week’s victory in the Curlew Cup, which was the fifth round of the National Road Series.

Leah Dixon, also of Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm, currently sits second in the overall standings, with Jennifer Powell (Bianchi Dama) in fifth ahead of this weekend’s action.

Anna Henderson (Brother UK – Tifosi p/b OnForm) – who should have fond memories of tomorrow’s venue after claiming victory in last year’s HSBC UK National Circuit Championships staged in Stockton – will also take to the start line as she looks to secure a repeat success..

The men’s race will feature current series leader Matt Holmes, who leads a strong-looking Madison Genesis team which also includes Tom Moses, Jon Dibben and Jonny McEvoy.

Rory Townsend (Canyon dhb P / B Bloor Homes) will be hoping to continue his surge up the leader-board following victory in last week’s Beaumont Trophy, which saw him make a significant move up the championship standings.

James Shaw (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), who sits second in the overall standings, will be out to overhaul Holmes as the series hurtles towards its climax.

Other riders in the men’s event include Andy Tennant (Canyon dhb P / B Bloor Homes), John Archibald (Ribble Pro Cycling) and Gabriel Cullaigh (Team Wiggins Le Col).

The course for both races takes riders into the middle of Stockton as well as by the banks of the River Tees.