Pearl Izumi Tour Series returns to Edinburgh’s Old Town

THE iconic cobbled streets and hairpin bends of the Old Town will become a racetrack for one of the biggest events in the cycling calendar.

Britain’s top teams are ­gearing up for the Pearl Izumi Tour Series which is set to return to the city on May 19 after a two-year gap.

The 1.6-kilometre circuit will see competitors zoom through Victoria Street and the Lawnmarket before looping back to the Grassmarket via West Port.

Riders James McCallum, Evan Oliphant and Fraser Martin were yesterday joined by the city council’s cycling champion, Adam McVey, and restaurant owner Paul Duncan to announce the route.

Cllr McVey said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see Britain’s top cyclists go head to head against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

“Cycling is going from strength to strength in the Capital so to play host to another major cycling event is great news. It proved to be a really popular event back in 2014 and I’m sure the Edinburgh public will be out in force to show their support for the riders.”

Paul Duncan, owner of Mamma’s Pizzeria and El Toro Loco in the Grassmarket, said: “We are delighted to welcome the cycling event back to the Greater Grassmarket. The event in 2014 attracted thousands of families from across the country.

“The atmosphere was electric and what better way to encourage people to get on their bikes than having the elite guys showing us how it’s done, racing around Edinburgh’s cobbled streets.

“The 2014 event had a great economic impact for us as a local independent business and we look forward to enjoying the buzz and benefit again.”

Six men’s teams will compete in every round of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, joined at selected rounds by guest teams.

They are led by defending Champions Madison Genesis, alongside JLT Condor presented by Mavic, NFTO, Pedal Heaven, Team Raleigh GAC and Team Wiggins – though it’s not known if Sir Bradley himself will compete. Highlights of every round are screened on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Player.

Motherwell will host Round Two on Tuesday, May 17 before the series returns to Edinburgh for Round Three on Thursday May 19.

This is the first time since the Pearl Izumi Tour Series was created in 2009 that ­Scotland has held two rounds of the team-based series and the ­second time that both Motherwell and Edinburgh have hosted rounds.

[email protected]