A LEADING women’s cycle race series is set to make its first visit to Ipswich this summer.

The fifth and final round of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series will be coming to the town on Friday, June 14.

The event is free to watch and no tickets are required. The route is a 1.1km closed circuit around the town centre, the exact details of which are still to be announced.

Colin Grogan, Suffolk County Council’s sport, health and inclusion development manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the final round of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series in Suffolk and very much hope it will be the inspiration for more women and girls to take up cycling in the future.

“Events like these provide a unique opportunity to excite and inspire people to become more physically active, contributing to Suffolk’s ambition to become the most active county in England.”

A programme of community activities is also being planned for the day, including Go Ride races and cycling activities for the public and spectators.

The race series will also visit Colchester on May 30 for the second round and Aylsham in Norfolk on June 13 for the fourth round.

The series gets underway in Stoke-on-Trent, home of title sponsors Johnson Health Tech UK Ltd, on May 21.

Jon Johnston, managing director at Johnson Health Tech UK, said: “The 2012 Grand Prix Series was a fantastic showcase for women’s cycling in the UK, providing a wonderful opportunity for developing riders to battle against some of the UK’s best women riders – head-to-head – in front of the TV cameras.

“With 2013 being such a pivotal year for women’s cycling, we are delighted to be able to support the series again. Feedback received following last year has been great, and with several brand new women’s teams entering, this series looks like it will be the best yet.

“Feedback also suggests that the series raises public awareness of women’s cycling and sport, and is helping to encourage more women to get involved in fitness and physical activity.”