Work colleagues, novice cyclists and youngsters are being urged to be inspired by the return of the Tour of Britain to our counties this summer and have a go at bike racing.

To celebrate the UK's biggest professional road race coming back through Norfolk in September, South Norfolk Council has teamed up with the Lotus Cycle Racing League, Pedal Revolution and Active Norfolk's Fit4Work programme to run the inaugural South Norfolk Council Novice Team Championship.

Teams of four riders will be able to compete in the new novice-only races held on the traffic-free, smooth and wide circuit at the historic Lotus Cars test track at Hethel, near Wymondham. The competition will be held over six consecutive Wednesday nights, from next week.

Ben Jones, director of Active Norfolk, said: 'The Aviva Tour of Britain is providing the county with fantastic new opportunities for people of all ages to get into cycling, and the Lotus League is no exception.

'The novice league is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to try bike racing in a fun and safe environment at the fantastic Lotus Cars test track at Hethel.'

The racing will start at 7.30pm each Wednesday and each race will be between five and 10 miles, or about 20 to 30 minutes in duration.

A pre-championship coaching and briefing evening will be held at South Norfolk Council's offices in Long Stratton on Monday at 6pm.

On the same nights, there will be the region's only Youth Circuit Racing Championships.

There will also be coaching sessions for youth/adult beginners at 7pm and youth/adult improvers and regulars at 7.15pm.

The cost for the six weeks of racing in the South Norfolk Council Novice Team Championship is £50 per team, payable on the first night.

Riders will be required to complete registration forms prior to competing which will be emailed in advance.

Only novice road racing riders may compete.

To take part, go to www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/activenorfolk/competitions/2015/06 /fit4work-novice-cycling-racing-league-at-lotus-cars-test-track

Do you have a story for our Summer of Cycling series? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk