The Tour Series 2017 was launched at Wembley Park along with details of the ten venues that will welcome Britain’s top professional cyclists this May in the ITV4 series.
The ninth edition of the televised race series now boasts a revamped calendar; with all ten meetings of the competition taking place in May, and will include three brand new events. London’s Wembley Park, Northwich and Aberdeen will each host a race whilst the grand finale will take place on the 29th May, Bank Holiday weekend, in Stevenage.
The Tour Series will also feature Saturday night races for the first time; a brand new circuit in the heart of Bath playing host on May 20, before the iconic Durham circuit hosts the penultimate contest on May 27.
The series’ inaugural meeting at Wembley Park will see the area undergoing landmark regeneration host races on a 1.5km circuit, including the concourse of Wembley Stadium and Olympic Way.
The three weeks of competition will also feature eight women’s events for the first time, as the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series expands with thirteen teams.
Seven professional men’s teams will line up at the 2017 edition of the Tour Series, including defending champions JLT Condor and ONE Pro Cycling, who return to The Tour Series after a year away. 2015 champions Madison Genesis return along with Team Raleigh GAC, Bike Channel Canyon, Metaltek Kuota and Series debutants Morvélo Basso.
Commenting on the 2017 Tour Series, race director Mick Bennett 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.”
Highlights of every round of The Tour Series will be shown on ITV4, with programmes also be available on demand via the ITV Hub.
Race calendar
Tuesday 9th May - Redditch
Thursday 11th - Stoke-on-Trent
Friday 12th May - Northwich
Tuesday 16th May - Wembley Park
Thursday 18th May - Croydon
Saturday 20th May - Bath
Tuesday 23rd May - Motherwell
Thursday 25th May - Aberdeen
Saturday 27 May - Durham
Monday 29th May - Stevenage
Teams
Men
Bike Channel Canyon
JLT Condor
Madison Genesis
Metaltek Kuota
Morvelo Basso
ONE Pro Cycling
Team Raleigh GAC
Women
Aprire HSS Hire
Drops
Liv Epic
NCC Group-Kuota-Torelli
Sunsport Velo
Team Breeze
Team Ford EcoBoost
Team Jadan p/b Viva La Velo
Team OnForm
Team WNT Pro Cycling
VeloSchills Interbike RT
