The streets of the town centre will once again be alive with the excitement of pro cycle racing and cheering crowds when the Pearl Izumi Tour Series returns to Croydon after its exciting first visit last year.
The only London leg in this unique team-based town- and city-centre series, Croydon is set to once again be a key stage in the overall event. This year’s race, on Tuesday 7 June, will again be enjoying worldwide TV coverage, with millions of viewers seeing the town at its best.
The 2015 race drew thousands of spectators to the course, many from beyond Croydon, jamming the route and spurring on the international elite racers as they tore round a town-centre circuit last June.
While this year’s route is yet to be finalised, it is expected to take in South End’s popular Restaurant Quarter and will offer a boost to retailers and restaurateurs around the town centre.
As it did last year, Croydon will host a men’s and a women’s race. The 2015 men’s race saw Marcin Bialoblocki of One Pro Cycling first over the line, while, in the women’s race, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Joiner, of Team WNT, was victorious. Highlights will once again be screened on ITV4 and via ITV Hub.
The series begins on the Isle of Man on Thursday 12 May, visiting cities across the UK, before finishing five weeks later in Portsmouth on Thursday, 9 June.
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
“The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is a major sporting event which, last year, contributed to the much-improved cultural offer of the town centre. We’ve always stated that we’re ambitious for Croydon and hosting an event of this nature is further evidence of that.
“It was great to see thousands of people line the streets last year, and enjoying entertainment throughout the afternoon, as well as the two races themselves.
“It’s a great opportunity to promote healthy living and encourage more people to cycle, while the event will once again see Croydon broadcast to a worldwide audience.”
Leading the six British UCI Continental level teams that will compete at every round of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series in 2016 are defending champions Madison Genesis. They will be joined by NFTO, Pedal Heaven, 2014 champions JLT Condor presented by Mavic, Team Raleigh GAC and Team Wiggins, the team led by former Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins.
