Aberystwyth will host the Halfords Tour Series’ first Friday night race.
The Welsh town will host the race on Friday May 25, just two days before the Olympic torch is carried through its historic streets.
Olympic champion, Ed Clancy, his teammate on the Great Britain team pursuit squad, Steven Burke, former national road race champion, Russell Downing, and his brother, Dean, a multiple Tour Series stage winner, will take part.
Welsh road race champion, Gruff Lewis (Team UK Youth) said he was looking forward to racing on home turf.
“With The Halfords Tour Series coming to Aberystwyth, it is massive for the town and inspires the younger generation as it did last year when over 150 children took part in the support races. It also brings the riders to a beautiful part of the world and I’m honoured to be part of it all,” he said.
Some 2,500 spectators turned out last year to witness Clancy sprint to victory in Aberystwyth. The town remains the only Welsh destination in this year’s series.
The challenging one-kilometre circuit includes Aberystwyth’s promenade, and passes the Royal Pier. The historic Old College and 12th Century Castle also feature before the circuit heads into the town centre via a tough climb up through Sea View Place. St James’ Square and Pier Street also feature.
The race will be the headline event in the two-day Aberystwyth Cycle Festival, which opens at 2pm on Friday May 25 with a series of races for children, students, traders, and top amateurs. A series of family-friendly events for Saturday May 26 is to be confirmed.
Sponsors are being offered VIP hospitality in the Old College next to the finish line. Email [email protected] for race sponsorship opportunities, or [email protected] for festival sponsorship opportunities.
