British Cycling has today announced the dates for the 2016 British Cycling Women’s Road Series.

Won by Nicola Juniper in 2015, the series will begin in the Isle of Man on 10 April with the Manx International GP Feminin, a new addition to the calendar.

The nine-event series will then go on to the Tour of the Reservoir Two-Day.

Two new races in Lincoln and Newton Longville will feature for the first time, while the Essex Giro Two-Day, Curlew Cup, Otley Grand Prix and Ryedale Grand Prix all make a welcome return to the series.

British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director, Jonny Clay, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a great series of events for the Women’s Road Series in 2016. As well as some brand new races it’s also pleasing to see some of the old favourites returning for another year.

“In 2013 British Cycling launched our strategy to get one million more women cycling by 2020. A big part of achieving this goal is being able to provide as many high quality opportunities as we can for women to race.

“Not only does this help the generation that are riding now but it also provides opportunities for the next generation of cyclists to come and watch some of the best British riders compete on their doorstep and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

Full dates and locations for the 2016 British Cycling Women’s Road Series

Sunday 10 April 2016    
Manx International GP Feminin, Douglas, Isle of Man

Saturday 16-Sunday 17 April 2016    
Tour of the Reservoir Two-Day, Edmundbyers

Sunday 15 May 2016    
Lincoln Grand Prix, Lincoln

Sunday 29 May 2016
North Bucks Festival of Cycling Grand Prix, Newton Longville

Saturday 11 June-Sunday 12 June 2016    
Essex Giro Two-Day, Essex

Sunday 19 June 2016    
Curlew Cup, Stamfordham

Wednesday 29 June 2016    
Otley Grand Prix, Otley

Sunday 10 July 2016
Ryedale Grand Prix, Ampleforth

Entries for all rounds open in January 2016