CHESTER’S historic city centre will be riding high when the country’s best cyclists descend for a leg of a cross-England competition.

On the evening of Tuesday, June 23, Chester’s residents and visitors will be able to enjoy top-level cycling on their doorstep.

The Tour Series will see high-profile cycling races taking place in ten cities or town centres across the country.

The series sets off in Milton Keynes on May 21, with Chester being the penultimate venue for the biking battle.

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.

The Tour Series events across the country pit ten British squads with five riders in each team against each other, all wrestling for that prized leader’s jersey.

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.”Š

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

Visit the Tour Series website at www.tourseries.co.uk for details of the route to find out more about the events.