Over 100 professional cyclists will be coming to Worcestershire in May for the popular Redditch Tour Series.
For one day only, on Thursday 10 May, Redditch Town Centre turns into a pro racing circuit with famous cyclists taking to the streets, all aiming to win the first round of the Tour Series.
Previous winners have included Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Trott and this year promises to be another amazing spectacle.
Worcestershire County Council alongside partners at Redditch Borough Council is excited to bring the Tour Series back to Redditch for the seventh year. Spectators will not only be able to enjoy the main Tour Series event, but for the first time Redditch will host the National Corporate GrandPrix this year. With events and activities throughout the town there is entertainment for the whole family.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet member with responsibility for the Economy and Infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council said: “We are so pleased to be bringing the Tour Series back to the County for the seventh year. The event has really been embraced by Redditch and we have seen visitor numbers grow year on year as well as seeing great economic benefits to the local area. The event is a great showcase for the County, increasing tourism, supporting local business and increasing community interest in cycling – another great example of World Class Worcestershire being Open for Business.
Cllr Bill Hartnett, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “This is a great event for Redditch and I’m pleased that we are hosting it again. I have been working on securing its return almost since the last bike crossed the line last May and I am particularly happy to see even more community involvement now, with local businesses invited to join in the fun.
“You only have to see the crowds that flock to the town when it’s on to understand the excitement and opportunities it brings for a lot of people.”
Pro-rider Beth Crumpton added: “I am delighted to be back launching the Redditch 2018 Ovo Tour Series – as a local girl it is great to race on my home turf. So many people were calling my name here last year – it really gives you the energy to push to go faster. I can’t wait to see what 2018 has to offer.”
Worcestershire County Council is offering an opportunity for businesses to showcase their work to a crowd of 15,000 with a specially tailored sponsorship package.
This is a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their profile in front of an audience of millions.
A range of sponsorship packages are available (from platinum sponsor to bronze sponsor) starting at £2,000, which can be tweaked and tailored to suit business needs.
Firms can also sponsor a headline race for £1500, advertise on trackside for just £500, or place an advert in the event guide from £150.
Hospitality tickets are also available for networking and client entertainment, which includes food and drink on the day for £55 per person.
For the first time this year businesses can also be part of the Tour Series GrandPrix, sponsored by Brother, where businesses can have fun pitting against each other to showcase cycling prowess with the help of a pro-rider for £500.
The Tour Series GrandPrix is another way Worcestershire businesses and organisations can proudly support their local community – it can even form part of business corporate social responsibility.
Lorna Jeynes, Business Growth Manager from Worcestershire County Council said: “It has been great to get all the sponsors together, there is a real buzz for the event and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the businesses who have supported us so far. Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Beer Cycle, Leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire Ambassadors as well as our delivery partners such as West Mercia Police, Redditch Town Council and Diamond Buses. Without everyone’s support, we couldn’t make the event happen.”
For more information visit www.worldclassworcestershire.com