British Cycling has announced the dates for the UK’s two leading road race series for 2009 – the Premier Calendar Road Race Series and the Elite Men’s Circuit Race Series.
The events will test some of the UK’s best male cyclists to the limit and will provide a range of great racing for fans to watch across the country.
The Premier Calendar Road Race Series comprises 13 events, beginning with the Bikeline 2 Day race in Wales on 14 and 15 March.
The long, punishing courses of the Premier Calendar Road Race Series test the fitness, endurance and tactical ability of Great Britain’s top riders, including Russ and Dean Downing – the brothers who topped the 2008 standings – along with the likes of Olympians Chris Newton and Rob Hayles.
By contrast, the 11 races in the Elite Men’s Circuit Race Series bring out the bike handling skills, quick wits and agility of the best criterium riders. The dramatic, high-speed action of the city- and town-centre circuits draws out great crowds for events which are contested by some of the UK’s biggest teams and top names. Team Rapha Condor took the top three placings in 2008 in a series which saw Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France finisher Geraint Thomas take part in competition. The series begins at the purpose built Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in West London in May.
British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay says: “The 2009 Premier Calendar and Elite Circuit Race series will provide us with a fantastic year’s road racing. There are some great courses and venues on both calendars and, with the hard-work and commitment of our organisers, both the 2009 Premier Calendar and Elite Circuit Race series’ look set to be fantastic events.”
