A cycling grand prix race is to take place in Colchester in May, it has been revealed.

Cyclists from all over the UK and from abroad will be travelling to the town to compete in the event, which will form one of the races in the National Elite Criterium Series.

The event, which is a first for Colchester, is being organised by Staff Sgt Darren Clarke, of 7 Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Reme), based at the town's garrison.

Mr Clarke, 31, who has been a rider for 15 years, said: "I moved to Colchester a year ago and hooked up with local riders, particularly the club Anglia Sport, which is very good.

"Gary Baker, one of their riders, used to be a professional cyclist and we got talking and said it would be fantastic to put on a race where we live and it has gone from there."

The National Elite Criterium Series takes place throughout the year with each of the 12 races held in a different town and it has been agreed one can be in Colchester on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30, in the evening.

Anyone interested in finding out more should attend the official launch on Wednesday, March 9, between 2pm and 4pm at Cabaret Voltaire, in Church Walk.

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Published Monday, February 28, 2005

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