A cycle event which will see the country's top cyclists descend on a north Norfolk market town has been officially launched.

From early evening on June 13, the UK's leading cyclists will battle it out around a 1.2-kilometre circuit of Aylsham's streets.

Starting with the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series and followed by the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, cyclists will race along Norwich Road, Red Lion Street, through the Market Place, onto Penfold Street, down Cawston Road, along Mill Road and Palmers Lane, before completing a lap back on Norwich Road.

The hour-long races are set to provide exciting action as the cyclists, made up of riders from 10 different teams, negotiate the narrow streets and sharp corners. Riders will be seen hurtling around the circuit up to 40 times.

Launching the event in Aylsham today, Fiona Roberts, Norfolk County Council's event manager, said: 'The Tour Series will be brilliant for Norfolk and for Aylsham. It will continue the momentum we've built up with the Tour of Britain and we hope people will come to Aylsham - it's going to be an exciting day with children's activities, music, market craft, a farmers' market; there's going to be a real party atmosphere.'

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