REDDITCH cycling fans savoured a treat as some of the best riders in the country tested their mettle in the latest round of the Pearl Izumi Series Tour.

Matthieu Boulo tackled the difficult town course to race to victory and secure Team Raleigh’s first individual win last Tuesday.

Behind him it was a two, three, four finish for Rapha Condor JLT for a dominant team success.

The win restored Rapha Condor JLT’s 12-point advantage over Madison Genesis with four events to go, including the Jersey finale.

The event was proceeded by a time trial organised by Redditch Road and Path Club.

Cllr John Smith OBE, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “This fantastic event has grown year-on-year since it first started in 2012 and this time we saw more community involvement than ever – Redditch schools, businesses and cyclists taking part.

“As ever the support and atmosphere for both the Matrix Fitness Gran Prix and Pearl Izumi Tour Series races, brought to the town by our Choose How You Move Redditch sustainable travel project, was fantastic. I’d like to say thank-you to everyone that backed it.

“The project is all about making small travel changes that can make a big difference.

“Cycling is one such alternative to single car use and I’m sure these events have inspired people to use some pedal power and, who knows, maybe our very own future Bradley Wiggins or Laura Trott.”

Redditch also hosted the fourth round of the Matrix Fitness Vulpine Grand Prix Series, with Wiggle Honda rider Amy Roberts clinching victory with a last gasp burst.

But organisers will have to find new funding in order to bring the event back to Redditch.

Over the three years it has been hosted by Redditch, it has been funded by Worcestershire County Council’s £2.8 million Choose How you Move project, which has now come to an end.

However, the government is set to provide £110,000 to partly help pay for the Series’ return but support from local businesses will be needed.