A RALLYING call has gone out to local businesses to support Redditch’s top class town centre cycle race.
The event, the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, which last year saw double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott win the ladies’ race, pulls in thousands of visitors to the town which is showcased on TV screens around the globe.
And with this being an Olympic year, the chances are that even more focus will be on the Redditch event.
“It’s by far and away the biggest date in the Redditch calendar, television coverage shows the town off in the best possible light, and with the number of visitors it provides a real boost to the local economy,” said Lyndsey Hadley of Redditch Town Centre Partnership.
Financial backing in the past has come from the county council and the borough council but with local authority budgets under strain it represents a chance for local firms to get involved in a world-class event.
“A number of sponsorship packages are available but backing doesn’t necessarily have to be in money, it can be support in kind,” said Lyndsey.
“Two businesses have already come forward and the event represents an opportunity to promote companies far beyond the town of Redditch.”
Last year thousands of people defied bitterly cold weather to line the streets and cheer on the men’s and women’s event as teams featuring world and Olympic champions battled it out on the tight, twisting circuit.
Reigning champion Laura Trott said: “It’s such a fantastic circuit, it’s less than a mile long and it means the crowd see action all the time.
“I really hope it can carry on because it’s not like other circuits as you’ve got a really sharp hill (Unicorn Hill) to climb and after going up it 15 times you can really feel it in your legs.”
To discuss sponsorship of the event, call Lyndsey on 01527 587002 or email: [email protected] .
