Route announced for London stage of Pearl Izumi cycle tour

A new Croydon town-centre route has been agreed for the return of top-class cycling to the capital this summer.

The only London stage of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the women’s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix races will take place on Tuesday, 7 June. They will start and finish in High Street, and take some of Britain’s best professional cyclists past the Town Hall, Clocktower, Surrey Street Market, and The Queen’s Gardens.

The new course also borders Croydon’s lively restaurant quarter, meaning spectators can enjoy a wide range of food and drink from around the world.

Cllr-Godfrey

“To be staging London’s only round of this year’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series is very exciting and it helps us continue to raise the profile of our town as a brilliant venue for all sorts of sport, arts and cultural events.

“It’s also a great way of encouraging more people to cycle and, of course, events like this all help attract businesses to the town, which will result in a boost to local jobs.

“I’d encourage those who come to watch the cycling to arrive early and stay on afterwards to enjoy some of our outstanding bars and restaurants.”

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport

Local schoolchildren will be testing the course earlier in the afternoon, and teams of amateur riders will be racing before the main event to raise money for the Mayor of Croydon’s charities.

Last year, 12,000 people spurred on the international elite racers as they tore around the town circuit.

The event attracts worldwide TV coverage, helping Croydon reinforce its status as a venue for major sporting events and supporting the council’s ambition to highlight the town as a first-choice destination for businesses, shoppers and people looking for a great place to live.

Marcin Bialoblocki, of One Pro Cycling, was first over the line in the 2015 men’s race while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Joiner, of Team WNT, was victorious in the women’s event.

Highlights this year will once again be screened on ITV4 and via ITV Hub.

The series begins in the Isle of Man on Thursday, 12 May, visiting cities across the UK, before finishing in Portsmouth on Thursday, 9 June.

Full timings for the day are available on the tour series website.

2016-05-13T16:37:20+01:00 May 13th, 2016|Recent news|