Town Centres around the Island will come alive this summer to the sights and sounds of high speed cycle street racing and rock music. Criterium racing is being re-introduced to the streets of the Island later this year which will bring cycle sport to a wider audience, create an exciting evening atmosphere in town centres and also provide more experience for local riders.
Sponsored by Isle of Man Bank, and promoted by Steve Shimmin of SAS Events, the Town Centre Cycling Series will see races in Castletown (June 29th), Port Erin (July 13th), Peel (July 27th), Ramsey (August 3rd) and Douglas (September 7th). As well as the main seniors' event there will be sections for youths, ladies and veterans together with mountain bike and fancy dress races, not to mention a Community Ride Out. All races in the series start at 7pm with roads open again not later than 11 o'clock.
Said Mr. Shimmin: 'We held a unique town centre promotion in Port St. Mary last September which proved to be such a success that it encouraged us to plan a summer series this year. The key element of success was the fantastic support of the Port St Mary community and we would like to extend this philosophy to other Island Towns. With this in mind each event will be slightly different with ‘guest events’ forming part of the program of each evening’s entertainment.
We are seeking to introduce events such as a one mile dash for the athletics community, and a Pram Push Derby which will bring back memories of a highly popular feature of former Douglas Carnivals.
''Due to the success of our home grown international stars Mark Cavendish, Peter Kennaugh, Mark Christian & others cycling has a really high profile on the Island, however local cycling is often hidden away in distant locations, out of view of the general public. This series will bring cycling to the public and show spectators what an exciting spectacle it is. In addition, the racing will liven up Saturday nights in the various towns by involving the communities and creating a festival type atmosphere. Our competitors will learn the technique of criterium-style riding which was identified as a weakness by Island Team Management at the last NatWest Island Games. The events will also raise funds to support Team IOM Cycling. All involved, spectators, sponsors and officials will also have a lot of fun along the way!'
“I extend my thanks to Isle of Man Bank for their sponsorship which is vital. Without the Bank’s support it would be impossible to promote the series.”
Sponsorship from Isle of Man Bank will see trophies and prize money being provided as well as green jerseys for series leaders and an overall award for the series winner. Staff from the Bank will help with the organisation on the night while a senior official will be on hand to present the prizes.
Bill Shimmins, managing director of Isle of Man Bank, said they were pleased to support such an imaginative concept. Said Mr. Shimmins: 'Anyone who has not watched town centre racing before would be well advised to come and see for themselves as it is a highly exciting spectacle.
'The organisers have come up with something for everyone and I am convinced it will prove to be a major success and a worthy addition to the Island's sporting calendar. I can foresee the Town Centre series becoming a permanent part of our summer attractions and growing in popularity each year.'
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