London has only two professional cycle road races this year, and they’re both on the streets of central Croydon next Tuesday evening (7 June).
The men’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the women’s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series will see some of the UK’s top elite cyclists blasting around a town-centre circuit between 6.30pm and 9pm.
The route will be lined with spectators cheering on the competitors in the penultimate stage before the champions of the two tour series competitions are crowned two days later in Portsmouth.
The long-range weather forecast is predicting near-perfect conditions for competitors and spectators alike, so anyone wanting to get a prime spot on the course should get there early.
“Cycling is hugely popular as a sport, something to do in your spare time, or as a means of getting to work. But it’s also a great spectacle to watch at a professional level, and I’m delighted that Croydon is going to see some of Europe’s best riders competing on the streets of the capital in what is London’s only professional road race this year.”
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
Restaurants and pubs around the course will keep hunger and thirst at bay, and live music from Croydon BID’s ‘Street Live’ and the Beats and Eats collective (outside The Green Dragon and in the entrance to St George’s Walk) will help keep people entertained between the cycle action.
The course has moved south from last year, and now goes from the Town Hall to Mason’s Avenue, off High Street. As a result, the trams will be running as normal, but there will be bus and traffic diversions in place due to the various road closures necessary to create the race circuit.
The day starts at 11am with demonstrations and live entertainment and the podium presentations take place at 9.30pm.
Full programme for the day
11:00 Promo zone opens
13:00 Primary school races and skills session
15:00 ‘Wheels for Wellbeing’ race
16:00 Mayor’s charity relay race
18:30 Women’s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix starts
19:15 Women’s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix ends
20:00 Pearl Izumi Tour Series race starts
21:00 Five laps to the finish bell sounds
21:15 Approximate race finish time
21:30 Podium presentations to race winners
