After the weekend’s Manx International GP, there is now just a month to go until professional cycling returns to the Isle of Man for the second time this Spring, with the opening round of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series.

Round One of the unique team based Series takes place on Thursday 12 May, kicking off five weeks of competition that will see the Series travel to Scotland, England and Wales, with ITV4 broadcasting highlights from every event.

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series races will take place on a 1.5-kilometre closed road circuit within Ramsey’s Mooragh Park, with riders expected to complete around 30-laps during the evening’s main race from 19:30.

“The build-up to this year’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series is now firmly underway and we can confirm all of the timings and details for the opening round on the Isle of Man,” said Mick Bennett, Race Director of organisers SweetSpot.

“We are looking forward to kicking off Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank and it is exciting for us to be bringing the Tour Series to the Isle of Man for the first time. The Isle of Man has an ingrained cycling culture and heritage and we aim to get the series off to a spectacular start for the Island’s residents and visitors next month in Ramsey.”

To get the professional action underway teams will contest a two-lap Team Time Trial event, the only one of its kind during the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, which gets underway at 15:00 ahead of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series Race which is scheduled to start at 19.00.

Six men’s teams will compete in every round of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, being joined at selected rounds by guest teams including an Isle of Man Cyclefest team in the opening round supported by Isle of Man Bank and Cycle Division. Leading the way will be the NFTO team who won the Manx GP with Ian Bibby and defending Tour Series champions Madison Genesis. With JLT Condor presented by Mavic’s team captain Ed Clancy there is also a chance for Isle of Man residents to see one of Britain’s top Olympians in action in Ramsey just before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Joining them will be Pedal Heaven, Team Raleigh GAC and Team WIGGINS, who could field local riders Mark Christian and Jake Kelly.

In addition to the professional races, Thursday opens with the Sure School Challenge on the circuit and the Isle of Man Cyclefest Stars of Tomorrow Youth Races from 17:00.

There’s plenty of activity on the Friday too, with the professional circuit remaining in place for the Ocean Motor Village Community Day with a variety of events taking place in Mooragh Park including the mass participation ‘Big Ride with Rebecca House’ and the Jewson Team Relay ahead of the weekend’s Isle of Man Cyclefest Championship races.

For more information and about the Isle of Man Cyclefest and tickets for the two day food, music and cycling festival at the Milntown Estate, please visit www.iomcyclefest.com.