Tour Series Woking - Your questions answered…

Q: When is the Tour Series coming to Woking?

We are delighted to announce that Woking will be hosting the Tour Series on Thursday 24 June 2010.

Q: What is the Tour Series?

The Tour Series is a calendar of professional town or city centre cycling races in which teams of riders battle to place their top three riders in the highest finishing positions. The teams accumulate points over the course of the series, with the team with the most points at the end of the series winning the Tour Series trophy. Individual riders also compete in sprint races during the event.

Q: Has Woking hosted the Tour Series before?

Yes, Cycle Woking hosted the third leg of the 2009 Tour Series, which was the first year the event had been organised by SweetSpot Group Ltd, the organisers and promoters of The Tour of Britain.

Q: Why isn't the Tour Series held at the weekend?

The professional cycling calendar is already full at weekends with other key events. Therefore, the Tour Series organisers only have weekdays available for this type of event.

Q: Will the circuit be the same as the 2009 event?

As with the 2009 event, the circuit will be in Woking Town Centre but discussions are underway to finalise the route.

Q: Will roads be closed again?

The Tour Series is held on town centre streets over a 1 to 1.6km circuit. These streets will be closed to all traffic, for safety reasons, to enable the schools and community support events together with the main Tour Series race to be held.

Q: What is being done to improve traffic flow?

We have learnt lessons from the 2009 event and we will tweak the circuit at the northern end to take this into account and prevent the traffic problems that occurred. Approaches from the east, south and west worked well. A number of options are currently being assessed that should alleviate the congestion in the afternoon peak from the north of the town centre.

Q: Will schools and business races be held again?

Yes, we intend to hold these again and registration will be available in the New Year.

Q: How can my business get involved?

The official Tour Series business launch will take place in Woking on Thursday 26 November, where businesses can find out how they can get in on the action. There will be sponsorship opportunities and the possibility for businesses to take part in the event. If you would like to attend, please contact Ellie Guttridge on 01483 743021 or email ellie.guttridge@woking.gov.uk.

Q: Concern was raised by a small number of businesses over loss of trade, what can be done to mitigate this?

It is clear that many businesses benefited from the 10,000 spectators visiting the town centre for the Tour Series on 2 June 2009. An independent Economic Assessment survey carried out by the Tour Series organisers to establish the impact that was made on the town found that although some businesses may have received a loss in trade, overall the town benefited by several hundred thousand pounds and may have attracted new customers due to this event. We are keen to work with any businesses to address any concerns they may have.

Q: What are the benefits of the Tour Series for Woking?

The Tour Series gives people the opportunity to see first-class professional cyclists competing on their door-step. It promotes cycling, inspiring a new generation of athletes, and encourages people out of cars and onto their bikes. It is also a great opportunity to put Woking in the spotlight, encouraging visitors into the town.

Q: What are your hopes for the Tour Series 2010?

We hope to build on the success of the 2009 event, with more schools, more business and more spectators getting up close and experiencing the thrill of professional cycle racing, taking part in races and enjoying the entertainment on offer.

Q: Where can I find out more?

Regular updates on the Tour Series will be posted online. Alternatively, you can contact Ellie Guttridge at Cycle Woking on 01483 743021 or email ellie.guttridge@woking.gov.uk.