ONE of Worcestershire's biggest cycling attractions, taking place in Redditch, has now confirmed the dates for this year.

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series, the UK's leading televised cycle race series, will be coming to Redditch on Tuesday, May 19.

Worcestershire County Council is resuming The Pearl Izumi Tour Series for a fourth consecutive year based in the town, which has in the past attracted spectators from all over the country.

It draws more than 10,000 spectators and contributes in excess of £100,000 to the local economy every year.

This will be the second race in the national rounds, and Redditch will be the first venue this year to host the women's race.

Sponsored locally by the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, there will be much to see and do from 2pm on the day, in the town centre, before the elite races begin at 6pm.

It can also be revealed that Redditch will also host the Friends Life Tour Ride, which will be coming to town on Sunday, October 4.

The Friends Life Tour Ride, financed by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, is a mass participation cycling event, associated with the Friends Life Tour of Britain cycle race, which will happen in Worcestershire for the first time.

The event encourages anyone to take part along the 100-mile route, which will showcase some of the most attractive, and hardest, roads in Worcestershire.

Entrants can also choose 60 and 30-mile options to suit other abilities.

Councillor John Smith, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for highways, said: "This is great news for the county that we have two major cycling events this year and we're pleased to be able to support the Pearl Izumi Tour Series yet again.

"Although the Choose How You Move programme has come to an end, the motivators for cycling and sustainable travel still remain."

Ken Williams, general manager of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, said: "We'll be working closely with the co-ordinators of Worcestershire County Council and the broader steering group to ensure that this Pearl Izumi Tour Series is the best yet."

Details about the Pearl Izumi Tour event in Redditch will be will be uploaded shortly to tourseries.co.uk.