Aylsham and Ipswich to host final rounds of unique, team based Series
Britain’s leading cycle race Series, The Tour Series, will reach the climax of its fifth season of racing in East Anglia this June, as Aylsham, Norfolk and Ipswich, Suffolk make their debuts as venues.
The events in Aylsham and Ipswich will go back to back on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June, making for a spectacular and action packed double hit of top-class cycle racing in both counties for fans to enjoy.
“Adnams is delighted to sponsor the final stages of The Tour Series. We know, through our support of the Tour of Britain in previous years, that cycling events are incredibly popular in Suffolk and Norfolk,” said Emma Hibbert, Head of Corporate Affairs for Adnams.
“The races in Aylsham and Ipswich promise to offer a thrilling spectacle as some of the country’s top teams battle it out in the concluding stages of The Tour Series. Adnams is proud to support these events which deliver real and tangible economic benefit for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.”
Short, spectator friendly circuits in both venues will host hour long professional races at 7pm, coming at the end of a day of cycling themed activities and events, with highlights from both races shown on ITV4.
Barry Stone, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet member for Cultural Services, said: "Norfolk has really embraced The Tour of Britain over the last three years and I have no doubt that we will also see large crowds heading to Aylsham on Thursday June 13 to enjoy The Tour Series."
Stuart Clancy, Broadland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, commented: “We are hugely honoured to be welcoming The Tour Series to Aylsham. I know the local business and resident community are extremely excited to play host to such a prestigious event. We will make it a day to remember!”
Councillor Colin Noble, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for responsible for sport, said "It is fantastic news that Suffolk has been selected to host the final round of The Tour Series, one of UK cycling's most prestigious events. After such an exciting summer of sport in 2012, events like these continue to inspire people to get active themselves. I hope The Tour Series will encourage people to get out on their own bikes and help us on our way to making Suffolk the most active county in England."
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council's Culture & Leisure portfolio-holder, said: "This is going to be a great day for Ipswich. Following on from the start of The Tour of Britain last year and the growing popularity of SkyRide, cycling is attracting bigger audiences as well as getting more people out on their bikes. It's going to be a great summer for Ipswich as this is just one of the high-profile events we have here."
The Tour Series is a unique team based Series, pitting ten of Britain’s leading teams against each other, with the all-important team victory on the night being the ultimate goal in the eleven round Series.
“We are very happy to be continuing our partnership with Adnams, Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council in 2013, this time through The Tour Series,” said Race Director Mick Bennett.
“Spectators across East Anglia can look forward to two exciting events, and can look forward to this year’s Tour Series Champions being crowned in Ipswich on the Friday night.”
The Tour Series celebrates its fifth season of competition in 2013. Past winners of the unique competition include Team Halfords Bikehut (2009), Motorpoint Marshalls Pasta (2010), Rapha Condor Sharp (2011) and Endura Racing (2012).
Southend-on-Sea, Woking, Canary Wharf and Stoke-on-Trent have previously hosted the final round of The Tour Series in previous seasons.
Aylsham and Ipswich join Kirkcaldy, Redditch,Torquay and Colchester as rounds officially announced by organisers SweetSpot Group, with the full 2013 calendar to be revealed next week.