02
Mar

The Tour Series and Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Expands in 2017

Today marks a significant day in the UK cycling calendar – the official launch of the Tour Series 2017, and the reveal of the ten venues that will welcome Britain’s top professional cyclists this May in the ITV4 Series!

The race – which enters its ninth season of competition this year – will be bigger and better than previous years. And the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series – which runs alongside the Tour Series – will also be expanding its attraction to spectators and cycling enthusiasts.

The unique, televised “Series” has a revamped calendar this year, with races all taking place entirely in May.

The Series calendar has three exciting introductions, with new events to be held at Wembley, Northwich and Aberdeen, plus a Bank Holiday finish at Stevenage on 29th May.

For the first time, The Tour Series will hold Saturday evening events, giving cycling enthusiasts the chance to see cyclists pursue the brand new circuit in the heart of Bath on 20th May, before the iconic Durham circuit for the penultimate night ride on 27th May.

Seven professional men’s teams will be taking part in the Series, headlined by defending champions JLT Condor, along with one pro cycling team who will return to The Tour Series after a year away.

2015 Champions Madison Genesis will return along with Team Raleigh GAC, Bike Channel Canyon, Metaltek Kuota and Series debutants Morvélo Basso.

This year sees the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series expand with thirteen teams due to take part across eight women’s events for the first time, showcasing the growth in the women’s sport.

Commenting on the 2017 Tour Series, Mick Bennett, Race Director of organisers SweetSpot, said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Tour Series to Wembley Park. We are privileged to have the opportunity to race in this spectacular location and one that is so synonymous with world-class sporting events.

“This year’s Series has a fantastic range of venues, including new events in Northwich and Aberdeen that will bring the events to new audiences.

“There are more women’s teams than ever before, reflecting the growth of the women’s sport, while the line-up of men’s teams is incredibly strong, with no clear favourite among them for the Tour Series title.

“Fans at all of our venues and at home watching on ITV4 can look forward to some amazing racing from these top-class athletes, as The Tour Series continues to provide an unparalleled platform of action, entertainment and engagement for all of our partners.”

 Wiggle will increase their support of pro cycling with sponsorship of the Wiggle Points Jersey – the top prize for the men’s races, while leading alcohol-free wine brand, Eisberg, will partner the equivalent women’s jersey.

Matrix Fitness – official health and fitness partner of the Grand Prix Tour Series – continue to be title partners of the women’s series.

But an opportunity still remains for a brand to take overall ownership of The Tour Series as title sponsors to Britain’s leading televised race Series!

 

The When and Where…

The Tour Series will kick off in Worcestershire for the first time, with Redditch hosting the event for a sixth time on Tuesday 9th May, including an opening Team Time Trial event for the men’s teams.

Stoke-on-Trent and Northwich will complete the opening week on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th May.

Week two will see a brace of London events, with the iconic Wembley Park playing host to Round Three on Tuesday 16th May, which will see riders racing around the outside of the world-famous stadium, then along Wembley Way before the finish outside the London Design Outlet shopping centre.

Round Four of the Tour Series will begin in Croydon on Thursday 18th May before returning to Bath after a year’s absence on Saturday 20th May.

Scotland will again host two events – Motherwell for the third successive year on Tuesday 23rd May and a new event in Aberdeen on Thursday 25th May.

The penultimate race will be in Durham on Saturday 27th May before the final round in Stevenage on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May.

Highlights of every round of The Tour Series will be shown on ITV4, with programmes also available on demand via the ITV Hub.