Portsmouth to host Tour Series
Professional bike racing is set to return to the streets of Portsmouth this summer.
The News understands the city will host a round of the Tour Series, a circuit racing competition for the cream of the domestic talent, which takes place in May and June.
Full details of the 2016 schedule are due to be released in the coming weeks.
But it is believed Portsmouth is at the centre of those plans, as the city aims to step up its bid for the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2019.
Last season’s Tour Series rolled into action on the Isle of Wight – with big crowds treated to thrilling racing on the streets of Ryde.
And Portsmouth will be hoping to recreate that party atmosphere this summer.
The city last welcomed the competition in 2010, when Ian Bibby snatched glory on Southsea seafront.
The Tour Series is sponsored by Pearl Izumi, who have a store at Gunwharf Quays.