Second season of Women’s GP Series to run alongside The Halfords Tour Series
Above: 2011 series winner Helen Wyman in the GP Series Leader's jersey - "I'm already looking forward to defending my title in 2012” says Wyman.
Britain’s top female cyclists will once again have the opportunity to compete on the same closed road, city centre circuits as their male counterparts with confirmation that a second season of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series will take place this May and June.
The Series will once again consist of four rounds, running in parallel with The Halfords Tour Series, and will feature a team, individual and sprint classification.
Winner of the 2011 Series, Helen Wyman said;
“The 2011 Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix was a fantastic showcase for women’s cycling in the UK. The Series provides a wonderful opportunity for developing riders to battle against some of the UK's best, wheel for wheel, and above all they do it in front of the TV cameras. I'm already looking forward to defending my title in 2012.”
Pushing Helen all the way in last year’s Series was Motorpoint’s Lucy Garner, who took victory in the final round at Woking before ending the season on a high by taking the Junior Women’s Road Race title at the World Championships and being shortlisted for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
Commenting on the second season of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series, Jon Johnston, Managing Director of Johnson Health Tech UK said:
“With 2012 being a pivotal year for UK sports, including cycling, we are delighted to be continuing our support of The Halfords Tour Series, Tour Rides and Tour of Britain events. The feedback received following our involvement last year has been really positive, with several new women’s teams being formed off the back of the Grand Prix.
“There are also early signs that The Tour events not only raise awareness of our brand, and the sport, but are also encouraging increased participation in physical activity – one of our industry’s core objectives. So it’s a win-win situation for us to partner with The Halfords Tour Series and SweetSpot.”
Halfords Tour Series Technical Director Mick Bennett said;
“We thoroughly enjoyed having the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series as a part of The Halfords Tour Series, with the interest from teams, spectators and the media proving that there is an appetite for top-class women’s cycling in Britain.”
“In 2012 we aim to build upon the first year of racing to make for an even better show for spectators, an improved experience for the riders and teams competing and along the way hopefully help contribute to a rise in awareness and popularity of women’s cycle racing.”
Further details on dates and venues for the series will be announced shortly.
