Revealed: The Lang Toun tour
Route around Kirkcaldy town cente for the Halfords Tour Series cycle event taking place on May 15.
THE route for the Kirkcaldy leg of one of the country’s biggest cycling events, the 2012 Halfords Tour Series has been revealed.
The unique, team-based, televised cycle race series will make its first ever visit to Scotland with the event in the Lang Toun on Tuesday, May 15, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators.
The course begins on the Esplanade before taking in a circular route along High Street, Kirk Wynd, Hill Street, High Street, Tolbooth Street and back along the Esplanade.
Cyclists from the Halfords Tour Series helped unveil the circuit on Tuesday and among them was James McCallum, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and a member of the 2011 Series champions Rapha Condor Sharp team.
James said: “We’ve not really been told too much about the course but they are all a similar format around the country.
“The courses usually have fast corners and lots of changes in direction. There will be some of the best guys in the world competing in this event.
“The crowd gets to see the race up close it’s almost like they are in it.
“It brings the sport to the public rather than them having to look for it.
Exciting
“It’s been so long since Scotland had this big an event and to have it at this level is pretty exciting, especially for me being local and part of the team that won the series last year.”
Joining James were cyclists from the two guest teams competing in the Kirkcaldy round - David Lines and Gary Hand from Pedal Power-Endura-Forme Racing and Ben Greenwood from VanillaBikes.com.
Linda Temple, events strategy co-ordinator at Fife Council, said: “Plans are progressing well to bring this fantastic event to Kirkcaldy.
“A supporting programme of events is being developed by Active Fife so that schoolchildren and families can enjoy a full day of outdoor activities.
“This will include the opportunity to race the route before the professionals take to the streets.”
Restrictions
A range of traffic restrictions and road closures will be in place for most of the day in order to stage the event and the Council’s transportation services and Kirkcaldy4All are already discussing plans with businesses and residents about what these will be.
Bill Harvey, manager of Kirkcaldy4All, added: “The response from local businesses has been very encouraging and it’s hoped that the increase in footfall will help generate additional income for businesses and town centre traders.”
The race starts at 7.00 p.m and will take in approximately 30 to 35 laps of the route.
>> The event will also be televised in dedicated ITV4 coverage the following evening at 8.00 p.m.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 3 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 29 mph
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