Independent importer Onimpex and Belgian clothing manufacturer Bioracer are to sponsor the UK’s flagship road racing series for veterans in 2011.

The duo will back the Percy Stallard Series, the jewel in the crown of the League of Veteran Road Cyclists.

The series has been flooded by riders returning to racing with the LVRC, encouraged by their open age category regulations.

“It’s a privilege for Onimpex and Bioracer to back the series,” said Onimpex’s Ken Jones. “I have been involved in the LVRC for many years. It’s full of life and superb racing and long may it continue.”

The Percy Stallard Series is the only national road racing series for veteran riders of 40 and over and bears the name of the legendary Percy Stallard, a founder member of the British League of Racing Cyclists and champion of mass start road racing during the 1940’s.

The series attracts amateurs and former professionals alike with names like Les West, Mick Ives and Sid Barras as well as a number of first time racers over 10 rounds throughout the UK, providing short course action on some of the toughest routes in the country.

Jones continued: “Cycling has become huge in the UK since the British successes on the track began but there is a whole world of inspirational racing out there for those of us who enjoy the high level competition but can’t be Mark Cavendish anymore. It’s a great series and I’m proud we are involved.”