Friday, 12th June, 2009
Final provisions are being made to prepare Chester’s historic centre for a thrilling and high-speed bike battle.  On the evening of Tuesday 23 June, the city’s residents and visitors will be able to enjoy top-level cycling on their doorstep when the Tour Series arrives in the region.

Chester is the penultimate stop for the high-profile race, televised by ITV4, which pits ten British squads with five riders in each team against each other, all wrestling for that prized leader’s jersey.
 
Each race location is being encouraged to support a particular team, and the Rapha Condor team - or the men in black - will be riding for Chester’s support.  Currently sitting just four points behind the leading team of Candi TV – Marshalls Pasta, Rapha Condor will be hoping the extra support from the Chester crowds will give them the edge they need to win.

The team’s Directeur Sportif, John Herety, is originally from the North West, which gives Rapha Condor a special reason to want to succeed in the city. 

Herety joined Cheshire Road Club as a young teenager.  He’s a former professional racing cyclist and has been Director of Racing for British Cycling amongst other high-profile roles. 

Herety will be pushing his team to win the Chester stake of the Tour Series, which kicks off at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 June.

Visitors to the city will be able to enjoy community events including a Cycling through the Ages parade and a Cycling for Work and Pleasure parade from 5.30pm. 

Cllr Neil Ritchie, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “I’m delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council has been able to bring such a fabulous and high-profile event to the borough. 

“It’s extremely timely with the launch of the city’s new Cycling Demonstration Town status and reflects the new Council’s commitment to investing in cultural opportunities for local people and visitors.  I’m looking forward to the event and it’s sure to be an exciting evening for everyone.”

"We are extremely pleased to have Chester as part of The Tour Series, especially as it is one of 17 towns in the UK that has Cycling Demonstration Town status," said Mick Bennett, Technical Director for The Tour Series.

"By bringing residents, local businesses and cycle sport together, Chester will help celebrate the best of British cycle racing as well as promote a healthier way of living.”

The prestigious Tour Series events have attracted the attention of TV executives, and ITV4 is dedicating a series of hour-long highlights programmes to be broadcasted the day after each event from 7-8pm. 

With its new status as a Cycling Demonstration Town, historic Chester is an ideal pit stop on this year’s Tour Series circuit.

In April 2009, Chester launched its Cycling Demonstration Town status – part of a £2.4 million initiative to improve Chester’s cycling infrastructure.  It’s one of just 17 demonstration towns nationwide and the investment will see cycling become a real transport option, improve the local environment, reduce city centre congestion and promote health and fitness.