SOME of Britain's best cyclists visited Birkenhead to launch the 2019 OVO Energy Tour Series ahead of next month's big event.

Hamilton Square welcomed riders such as St Helens' Johnny McEvoy and recently crowned British Cycling eRacing champion Cameron Jeffers today (Thursday, April 11) ahead of the cycle race series' visit to Wirral on Tuesday, May 21.

The 1.3km circuit will race around three sides of Hamilton Square, taking in Sandford Street, George Street, Taylor Street, Cleveland Street and Lord Street with the finish straight along Price Street.

During the afternoon of the free-to-attend event, local schools and amateur cyclists will have the chance to ride on the circuit before the elite women’s race at 5.30pm and the elite men’s race at 7pm.

Wirral Council's assistant director for culture and visitor economy Lucy Barrow said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome some of the riders to Birkenhead today and to give them the opportunity to see where they will be racing next month, including the beautiful Hamilton Square.

“We’re delighted that Wirral is hosting the Tour Series in May and a Tour of Britain stage as part of our Borough of Culture programme in 2019, giving our residents and visitors the chance to see some of the country’s top cyclists up close while showcasing the incredible scenery we have here.”

Wirral Globe:

OVO Energy Tour Series launch at Birkenhead Town Hall (Picture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

The OVO Energy Tour Series will feature both men's and women's races and will be the first time that Wirral has hosted either event as part of the Borough of Culture.

In September the Tour of Britain will see the world's top teams and riders head to the borough, with the exact date of the race being kept under wraps.

Both events will be broadcast around the world including ITV 4 and organiser are expecting thousands of visitors across the two days.

OVO Energy Tour Series race director Mick Bennett said: “This will be a great chance for cycling fans from across the North West of England and North Wales to see fun, fast and free procycling.

“We are excited to be bringing the OVO Energy Tour Series to Wirral as a part of the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture this May and are sure that the Hamilton Square location will prove a great backdrop to the action.”

Road closures around the circuit will be in place from 6am on Tuesday, May 21 and will remain in place for until midnight.