Return of Tour Series to Portsmouth is confirmed

The News last month revealed professional cycling was set to return to the city’s streets after a six-year absence.

And on Friday it was confirmed, with the finale of the women’s competition also set to take place on a Guildhall Square circuit.

Riders from champions Madison Genesis, along with Tour Series mascot ToBi, will descend on the Pearl Izumi store at Gunwharf Quays on Saturday (midday).

They will officially launch the event, which coincides with the outlet shopping centre’s 15th birthday.

The city’s council leader, councillor Donna Jones, said: ‘It is fantastic Portsmouth has attracted yet another major sporting event and reiterates our commitment to promoting cycling in the city.

‘This will help raise the profile of cycling in the city – along with the numerous public cycling events we hold, such as the Sky Ride Local guided rides and Pedal Portsmouth.

‘It’s a superb opportunity for residents to watch professional athletes competing on their doorsteps and will clearly demonstrate the city’s continued passion for hosting the Tour de France.’

The Tour Series last raced in Portsmouth in 2010 on a Southsea circuit, when Ian Bibby took the individual honours and his Motorpoint Marshalls Pasta squad snatched team glory on the way to that season’s overall title.

Last year’s Series began at Ryde on the Isle of Wight, with the JLT Condor team and Jon Mould – then of ONE Pro Cycling – visiting the Pearl Izumi store at Gunwharf Quays on the eve of the race.

Kellie Parsons, marketing director at series sponsors Madison, said: ‘The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is a great event and every year seems to be getting bigger and better.

‘Last year was particularly special for us, as Madison Genesis won the series in an immensely exciting final stage in Bath.

‘Every year the standard of the riders goes up and knowing just how much hard work all the teams put in, we can’t wait to see some top-quality racing.

‘It is also very exciting to be returning to Portsmouth which provides an amazing venue to host a stage of the series.’

Pearl Izumi’s Portsmouth outlet store is their only UK location, stocking running, cycling and triathlon apparel and footwear.

Colin Wilding, general manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: ‘It’s great to see the Pearl Izumi Tour Series returning once again to Portsmouth.

‘This final round will provide a great opportunity for us to showcase what the city has to offer and show our support for Madison Genesis.’

Details of the complete schedule for the 2016 Tour Series will be announced at the iceBike show on Saturday, February 27.

However, it has already been revealed the competition will start at Ramsey on the Isle of Man on Thursday, May 12 – as a part of the Isle of Man Cyclefest.

Aberystwyth will also host a race, for the sixth successive year, as a part of the Aber Cycle Festival on Friday, May 27.

The Tour Series is unique in world cycling. It focuses on a team concept that see’s Britain’s professional cycling teams competing to be the fastest in an action-packed, one-hour circuit race.

Highlights of every round are screened on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Player.