A SERIES of short, fast cycle races around Tavistock is on the cards for next year — a new venture for the town.

Tavistock Wheelers, which belongs to the British Cycling Club, want to stage the criterium event on July 11, 2014 — the start of carnival week.

The Tavistock Criter-ium will be the first of its kind to take place in the area. Previous criteriums have taken place in Barnstaple and Paignton, and have proven a huge success.

Geoff Whitlow, chair of Tavistock Wheelers, said: 'We are at the start of the process because running a race in the town requires money and thorough risk assess-ments to minimise impact on the town.

'We really are in the early stages and we will be consulting with everyone concerned.

'We are looking for partners in the business community to help as well, as it will be out of the question for Tavistock Wheelers to be able to fund this.'

As it will be the start of the carnival week, Tavistock Wheelers hope the races will give a carnival-like atmosphere — as the event is designed to be spectator friendly for all ages to enjoy.

If given the green light, spectators will watch as competitors race along an 880m route, which will pass around the pannier market and St Eustachius' Church.

The event is very much in the early stages and nothing is set in motion as yet until there is approval from local authorities and financial help can be given from local businesses.

The criterium would include a series of short races, which can last up to 40 minutes maximum, and will not only see men race, but women, youngsters and seniors — a criterium for all!

Mr Whitlow wanted to emphasise that if the event went ahead, organisers would ensure that impact to the town would be at a minimum: 'We don't want people to panic, we hope to minimise the impact to the town.

'This is the first time that Tavistock has ever staged a criterium — it's not the Tour Of Britain it's racing on the street and is more instant for the spectators.

'This event will be a continuation of the events that have been staged, including the Tour of Britain in 2012 and the Tour de Moor last year.

'We aim to be inclusive and will have races for women and youngsters as well as for men. What we like is that Tavistock has shown to be a cycle friendly town and we believe we can get the atmosphere on the night.'

Tavistock Wheelers gave a presentation of its idea to the Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

Chairman of the chamber Nigel Eadie said: 'The presentation by Tavistock Wheelers went down really well —we all thought it was a spectacularly imaginative idea. I think the town will really embrace it and we're looking forward to seeing it happen.

'I think the event will bring thousands of spectators into the town, which will be really good for businesses and good for the local economy.'