With the British Premier Calendar punishing riders by testing their fitness, endurance and tactical ability, Elite Circuit Series will bring out the bike handling, quick wits and agility of the UK's best criterium riders.
The aim of this series is to make racing more accessible, with all but one of the races being staged in city centres, providing an ideal platform to demonstrate the excitement of the sport.
With two trips to the capital for the Smithfield Circuit Races, new to the series, and the London GP which ties into the Tour of Britain, the series has the potential to reach a big audience of both bike fans and curious spectators.
The early races are held predominantly in the south and east of the country, before heading to the north. The Brighouse GP, in West Yorkshire, is a new addition to the 2008 calendar, as is the Stone Criterium, in the Midlands.
A return to Yorkshire sees the time-honoured Otley town centre race. Rochdale, Colne and Blackpool then host the next three Lancashire races, each with their own distinctive characters.
After the London GP, the series winds up in Warwick, with historical architecture providing the backdrop to quality racing and series settling results.
With the Elite Circuit Series, we're seeing increasing pressure from organisers and venues wanting to be part of the series,” British Cycling's Cycle Sport and Membership Director, Jonny Clay says. “It all adds up to a stronger, more sustainable and inspirational calendar to test our best domestic riders."
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