Saddle up for the Stockton Cycling Festival: Here's all you need to know!

The Stockton Cycling Festival rides into town this weekend (Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July) for an action-packed weekend of fun and excitement for all the family.

Now in its 10th year, the popular event returns to the Stockton Riverside with a  celebration of all things cycling, including elite racing, Extreme Bike Battle stunt show, cycle try out track, free climbing wall, giant lawn games, face painting, arts and crafts and much more!

Plus don't miss our free family bike ride Ride Stockton, on Sunday at Stockton Riverside - with live music around the route.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Steve Nelson, said: "Whether you're a huge fan of cycling or just hoping to get more active this summer as a family, there's guaranteed to be something to keep you entertained at the Stockton Cycling Festival.

"It is always a fantastic event whether you choose to watch the action, take part in the free festival activities or simply soak up the wonderful atmosphere."

Here's a taste of what you can see and do:

Stockton Sportive, Saturday 2 July

The Stockton Sportive offers cyclists of all ability the chance to choose between three routes - from the Tour de Moor at 105 miles, right down to the nearly flat  38-mile short ride, there is something for everyone!

All routes depart from Stockton Riverside before heading into North Yorkshire through some wonderful scenery, riding down quiet lanes with 100's of riders of all abilities. Registration for the event has now closed.

For further details visit the Stockton Sportive page of the Velo29 events website.

Stockton Grand Prix, Stockton Riverside, Sunday 3 July, 9am-5pm

Watch as some of Britain's top cycling teams and riders compete in this elite race which forms part of the British Cycling National Road Race Series.

The women's race starts at 9am on Council of Europe Boulevard, and finishes between 11am and noon, while the men start at 1pm on Riverside Road and finish their circuits between 4-5pm.

You can also watch LIVE coverage of both the female and male Grand Prix races. Catch all the action from 9am onwards free on the Stockton Sportive page of the Velo29 events website. Or head down to the Riverside and watch the races unfold on the big screen.

Family Festival Day, Sunday 3 July

As well as the elite racing, Sunday includes a packed programme of activities to watch, join in and enjoy for all the family, including stunt shows and an events village full of free activities, entertainment and refreshments.

Get on your bikes for the family-friendly Ride Stockton, starting at 1pm on the  Riverside. Join in and enjoy our traffic free route around Stockton.

Stockton Cycling Festival is in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, British Cycling and Velo29. Stockton Kia is official supplier of the race support cars for the Stockton Grand Prix.

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