Racing cyclists from Sweden, Freddy Johansson, Daniel Patten and Filip Rundenstam. Picture by Rob Currie (00697473)

AROUND 180 cyclists are expected to take to the streets of St Helier tomorrow for the inaugural Rubis Jersey Town Criterium.

The event will feature six different races with the Elite riders’ category, which includes former Tour de France and Tour of Spain rider Malcolm Elliott, the sure-fire highlight.

Throughout the day there are also races for juniors, women and veterans, as well as the Jersey Evening Post Papergirls and Boys Race for the youngsters.

According to organisers, the Criterium is the biggest cycling event to be staged in the Island since the Jersey Island Games in 1997, and they expect an atmosphere as good as, if not better, than they had then.

And if all goes to plan, it is hoped that the event can become an annual fixture on the local sporting calendar and hopefully progress to be included in the British Town Criterium Series and even perhaps the British Pro Cycling calendar of events.

Thirty riders are confirmed in the main race of the day for the Elite riders at 4.20 pm – which has £850 prize and those all important British Cycling points on offer.

Racing cyclists from Sweden, Freddy Johansson, Daniel Patten and Filip Rundenstam.  Picture by Rob Currie (00697473)