Tour Series

Britain's top professional cycling teams will battle it out in Colchester once again this summer as the Halfords Tour Series returns to Colchester.

The street-racing event will take place on Thursday 2 June 2011, and ten of the very best teams, including internationally and nationally renowned cycling stars, will take to our streets.

The finish and start line area will be close to the Town Hall and in the main High Street. The Halfords Tour Series promises to deliver a series of cycling races that will generate a carnival atmosphere throughout the town centre.

Castle Park will host an afternoon of activities for people of all ages to play a part in, in the lead up to the evening race. Families enjoying the half-term holiday on 2 June will be able to participate in a range of cycling, sports and Olympic inspired activities, as well as enjoy a bite to eat before the race gets underway.

Cllr Paul Smith, Resources Portfolio Holder for Colchester Borough Council said: "We are excited and thrilled to once again host this event. Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, the University of Essex and Colchester Institute have joined together to deliver this spectacular event free, for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. It will also provide a huge boost for Colchester's businesses, with community events being planned throughout the day to celebrate.

"Healthy living for all is one of our key priorities and we are hoping that world-class events like this on our doorstep will inspire younger and older people alike to get involved. This is a real opportunity for us to celebrate Colchester as a place where people want to live, work and visit."

The format of the Halfords Tour Series sees ten teams of professional cyclists compete to place their top three riders in the highest positions at the end of a period of intense, fast-paced racing, around a 1.5km circuit - delivering all of the thrills and spills of this high-speed sport. Each round will be televised on ITV4.

The race will take place between 7.00pm and 8.15pm the professional racers will be on circuit from 6.00pm warming up. Access to the town centre will be possible throughout the day, however access to some town centre roads will be restricted from late morning. Further details can be view by clicking here and here.


County Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said: "Essex County Council is passionate about promoting the benefits of cycling, so we are proud to be supporting the return of the Tour Series to Colchester in 2011. As we prepare to host the London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking events we are committed to inspiring our residents, young and old, to get active across the county, and the Tour will be another reason for visitors to come and enjoy our breathtaking county."

For further information on the Tour Series and road closures and getting around Colchester on the day click here for further information.


Further info on the Tour Series can be found at www.tourseries.co.uk
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