Paisley is set to host the only Scottish date of the StreetVelodrome series, with an outdoor cycling track to be set up in the town centre.
The televised track cycling event will take place in County Square on Saturday 26th July.
Amateur riders will be able to race against the clock and receive coaching from professional track cyclists. The fastest riders will then have the chance to compete for a place on the podium.
The event is due to be televised in the UK and abroad, with action from Paisley featuring in a dedicated programme to be broadcast on Channel 4, Sky Sports and Eurosport.
Riders wishing to take part in the competition must pre-register with StreetVelodrome.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall and Councillor Jim Harte, Convener of the Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board, met teenage cyclists Stuart Parker and Karl Bewick from the youth section of Paisley Velo to promote the event.
Councillor Harte said: “This event will take place during the first week of the Commonwealth Games, at a time where track cycling and Scottish sport in general will be enjoying an international profile.
“It also means there is now a strong sporting theme running through the council’s increasingly-busy programme of town centre events.
“The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay will pass through 15 Renfrewshire towns and villages one week before the velodrome, and August will see the Paisley 10k starting and finishing in County Square.”
Provost Hall added: “The council’s growing collection of events means there will be loads going on over the summer to bring people into our town centres, with all the benefits that brings for businesses.
“I would encourage anybody with an interest in cycling to get their entry in online, and I am sure we will get a great turnout on the day itself.”
Willie Cosh, team manager of Paisley Velo, said: “Paisley is at the centre of Scottish cycling right now – we are Scottish team time-trial champions and one of three top teams based in the town.
“Plus we have a great network of cycle paths locally. All of that means Paisley is a great place for the StreetVelodrome to visit.”
Series Director Carl Thompson said: “StreetVelodrome are very proud to be coming to Paisley, particularly at a time of heightened interest and profile for sport in Scotland.
“We’ll be working closely with Renfrewshire Council to bring an exciting and entertaining cycle sport event right in the centre of town which will appeal equally to both participants and spectators.
“We are very keen to hear from local riders who would like the chance to race alongside the pros at the event and who knows may even become a local hero by beating one or two of them on TV.”
Entry costs £22 for senior riders aged 24 and over, or £12 for juniors aged 14 to 24.
There will also be a 90-minute open session at the end of the day where members of the public can receive coaching and track time for free.
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