It's 40 days until the Pearl Izumi Tour Series
1 May 2014
The beginning of May marks the 40-day countdown of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series, which will whizz back into Woking for the sixth time on Tuesday 10 June 2014.
This year Woking will host Round 9, the penultimate round, of the men’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the grand final of the women’s Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series. Last year, the 8,000 strong crowd saw Olympic Gold Medallist, Ed Clancy, storm to victory in Woking making him the most successful rider in the Tour Series history.
Once again, on Tuesday 10 June 2014, the streets of Woking Town Centre will be transformed into a high-speed, professional circuit where top-class cyclists from across the world will thrash it out at speeds of around 30mph to gain pole-position on the coveted winners’ podium.
In the lead up to the professional races, local schoolchildren, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to become ‘Kings and Queens of the road' by taking part in the famous Community Races, which will run from 1.45pm to 4.15pm.
The Team Race, open to up to 15 teams comprising of four cyclists, is a highly popular and competitive event. Registered entrants have the chance to ‘test their mettle' around the circuit and against the clock. The team with the fastest lap times will be presented with winners' medals on the professional podium!
Entry to the Team Race is open to groups of colleagues and friends, cycle groups (amateurs only) and any other self-formed group of wannabe cyclists. Following the online application closing date on Friday 30 May, places will be randomly selected and the successful entrants informed.
Talking about the forthcoming event, Project Manager for the Woking Tour Series, Emma Bourne, said: “Last year's series event attracted 8,000 spectators to the town with a further 150,000 people tuning in to ITV4 to watch all the action unfold on Woking's circuit. This year, Woking will play host to penultimate round of the men’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the final of the women’s Matrix Fitness Tech Grand Prix Series.
“Not only does this high-profile event showcase some of the UK's top professional cyclists, which will inspire cycling enthusiasts and future home-grown professionals, but also it firmly stamps Woking on the map as a top-class cycling venue. Without the financial support of our sponsors, hosting this type of event would not be possible. So, we must extend our thanks to the companies who have generously contributed.
“I am also delighted to, once again, confirm the return of the much-loved Community Races where local people have opportunities to test out the track and soak up the fun, family-friendly atmosphere.”
To allow the event to take place, the usual road closures will start from 10am through to midnight on the day of the race. Key routes into and around the town will be closed to motor vehicles and diversions put in place, so that the streets of Woking Town Centre can be converted into a professional race circuit.
Find about more about the races, including road closures and how to enter the Team Race, here.