ONE of the UK's most exciting cycling races is set to descend on Motherwell tomorrow evening.
The 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour Series will see top riders compete in a fast-paced street circuit around the centre of the North Lanarkshire town in front of packed crowds.
It is expected to attract a raft of top names with the brand new Team WIGGINS, formed by 2012 Tour de France winner and Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins, and the ONE Pro Cycling team of England cricketer Matt Prior both billed to compete.
The 2015 Matrix Fitness Women's Grand Prix Series will also take place the same evening with highlights of both shown on ITV4 the following night.
Double European track cycling champion Katie Archibald from Milngavie won the Scottish round of the event in Edinburgh last year and will be looking to add another victory.
She will be joined in action by reigning Matrix Fitness Women's Grand Prix Series champion - and fellow Scot - Eileen Roe as well as Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Joiner.
The Matrix Fitness Women's Grand Prix begins at 5.30pm with the Pearl Izumi Tour Series men's event following at 7.30pm. From 1pm there will be amateur races and family activities in and around the race circuit including Motherwell Library and the Heritage Centre.
Motherwell is the only Scottish venue that will host either the men or women's series this year.
James McCallum, who was born in Bellshill and grew up in Uddingston, has competed in every Tour Series since it began in 2009.
A veteran of four Commonwealth Games, the 35-year-old retired after Glasgow 2014 and now works as a cycling consultant.
McCallum promises that the event will showcase among "the best cycle racing you will ever see".
"Some of the biggest names in cycling take part in the series with cyclists from across Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand competing," he says.
"The racing is fast and exciting involving tactics as well as speed, with riders battling for position at corners and pinch points.
"If you have never seen live cycling before, you will be surprised at how fast the cyclists go. It will be just over a minute per lap so they are reaching speeds of up to 40mph."
The 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour Series and Matrix Fitness Women's Grand Prix Series take place in Motherwell tomorrow. For more information, visit tourseries.co.uk
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