SOME of Britain’s top cyclists will return to the town’s streets next summer.
Worcestershire County Council has confirmed that it will fund the Pearl Izumi Tour Series bicycle race which is set to take place in June 2015.
It will be the fourth consecutive year the competition has taken place, previously being funded through Choose How You Move in Redditch.
But the county council has now confirmed they will pay for the event, while the Kingfisher Shopping Centre will sponsor the day.
Figures from this year revealed 12,500 spectators attended the race and over £140,000 was brought into the county’s economy as a result.
The competition, which is also shown on ITV4, had the highest viewing figures of all the national rounds this year.
Coun John Smith, responsible for highways, said: “The Tour Series events and the work of Choose How You Move have inspired people in Redditch to adopt sustainable travel behaviours and improve their fitness through cycling.
“By making this investment, we’re giving a clear signal that we recognise the benefits because they match our strategic priorities to protect the environment, promote health and wellbeing, and champion being open for business.”
Peter Pawsey, executive chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “This is great news for Redditch. I am pleased the county council is once again supporting the Tour Series bicycle race as sporting events such as this, and the Friends Life Tour of Britain which we welcomed to Worcestershire in the summer, have such a significant positive economic impact locally.”
The exact date for the comeback will be announced early next year.
