REDDITCH is to once again host The Pearl Izumi Tour Series bike race.
The event, which is backed by the Redditch Standard, brings thousands of visitors to the town and sees the borough featured on TV screens around the globe.
Last year saw multi Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott win the women’s race and a stunning finish to the men’s event saw Jon Mould snatch victory from an already celebrating Morgan Kniesky.
Redditch’s involvement had been at risk after last year saw the end of a three year contract to host the event.
It coincided with drastic cuts to Worcestershire County Council’s budget sparking a drive for sponsors to back an event seen as the best showcase for Redditch in the entire year.
A delighted Ken Williams, manager of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, a key sponsor of the event, said: “Its future in Redditch had been up in the air and while it is understandable that councils everywhere have been trying to mitigate their outgoings where possible we have tried to impress upon the county just how important it was to support the event,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic spectacle and although it’s an evening event from our perspective at Kingfisher supporting it was the right thing to do.”
The tight, fast Redditch circuit is a firm favourite with the riders as it presents a unique challenge of Unicorn Hill and the perilously fast descent of Prospect Hill into Clive Road.
Work will now begin on building up the pre-race events with community racing, schools racing and entertainment as well as building on the success of the tour village.
Worcestershire County Councillor Dr Ken Pollock, the Cabinet Member responsible for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure said: “We are delighted to see top class cycling returning to Worcestershire this year. Working with our partners we have been able to guarantee that the Pearl Izumi Tour Series event comes back to Redditch for another year in May. It is a big event for the town and for the county.
“In previous years thousands of spectators have turned out to cheer on Olympic champions racing against local hopefuls in a star studded field.
Redditch has hosted to the Pearl Izumi Tour Series for four consecutive years and is now one of the most anticipated venues on the circuit. Last year the event, which is televised by ITV, attracted more than 12,500 spectators. It is estimated that it brought in around £120,000 to the Worcestershire economy.
Mick Bennett, race director, Pearl Izumi Tour Series said: “We are delighted to be able to return to Redditch with the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, for what has rapidly become one of the cornerstone events of the Series, with a great circuit and a passionate crowd. We’re looking forward to being back in Worcestershire on Thursday, May 26 and putting on another evening of exciting racing.”
