Excitement is building with just three days to go until the 2013 Pearl Izumi Tour Series arrives in Ipswich.
For the first time ever, the grand finale of the series is coming to the town with thousands of people expected to line the streets to cheer on some of the country’s best professional cyclists.
The course starts and finishes on the Cornhill and passes through Westgate Street, Museum Street, Princes Street, along the Buttermarket to Upper Brook Street and then back along Tavern Street. It is hoped the Tour Series will encourage more people to get on their bikes and improve their health.
Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “Events like the Tour Series are very important economically but also from a health and physical activity perspective.
“Suffolk’s long-term ambition to become the most active county in England can only benefit from the Tour Series coming to the county town.
“Having world class athletes competing in the heart of Ipswich will not only be inspirational but also great entertainment.
“It will also provide us with a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of cycling and encourage people to get on their bikes.”
Three separate races, including a 12-pro rider contest dubbed the “Suffolk Most Active County Sprint Challenge”, and a race between amateur teams from local businesses, will be held from 3pm to 9pm.
The Tour Series brings the country’s best teams and cyclists together for a team time trial and fast-paced circuit race.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here