REDDITCH is gearing up to host the opening round of one of Britain's most prestigious cycling events.
The OVO Energy Tour Series will visit the town on May 10.
This is the seventh consecutive year the tour has stopped off in Redditch, with elite men's and women's races taking place on the 1.4km town centre circuit which ends with a challenging climb up Unicorn Hill.
This year the town will also host the Brother Corporate Grand Prix for the first time.
Local rider Beth Crumpton, part of the Storey Racing team, said: “I am delighted to be back racing the Redditch OVO Energy Tour Series.
“As a local girl it is great to race on home turf. So many people were calling my name here last year - it really gives you the energy to push to go faster. I can't wait to see what this year's event has to offer."
After Redditch the three-week tour will visit Motherwell, Aberdeen, Durham, Aberystwyth, Stevenage and Wembley before culminating in a grand final in an as yet undisclosed location.
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