Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix returns for 2012

Helen Wyman, winner of the 2011
Johnon Health Tech Grand Prix
(image credit: Thomas Ducroquet
CC BY-SA 3.0) 

It's a sad but true fact that there aren't as many women's bike races as there are men's - and those that do take place are often under-funded, small-scale affairs that most of us never even get to hear about apart from a brief mention in the cycling press.

Hence, the news that the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series - the nearest thing to a Women's Tour of Britain - will be run for a second time alongside SweetSpot's Halfords Tours series for one month this coming summer is very welcome indeed. The series, which organisers are working to make an even bigger success than in 2011, offers the best chance to see the enormous talent and potential of Britain's female cyclists: "The 2011 Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix was a fantastic showcase for women’s cycling in the UK," says winner and multiple cyclo cross champion Helen Wyman. "The Series provides a wonderful opportunity for developing riders to battle against some of the UK's best, wheel for wheel, and above all they do it in front of the TV cameras. I'm already looking forward to defending my title in 2012."

The four rounds will be held in towns and cities around the country - meaning that the majority of fans will have a round within easy traveling distance - and use the same closed road circuits as the men's races, which are organised with one eye firmly on increasing awareness of competitive cycling. This means that television crews will be in place for each event, helping to raise the profile of women's cycling - a method that has worked well at large European races such as the Tour of Flanders.

Halfords Tour Series Dates

Round One Tuesday 15th May
Round Two Thursday 17th May
Round Three Tuesday 22nd May
Round Four Thursday 24th May
Round Five Tuesday 29th May
Round Six Thursday 31st May
Round Seven Tuesday 5th June
Round Eight Thursday 7th June
Round Nine Tuesday 12th June
Round Ten Thursday 14th June

The locations and details of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix will be announced soon.