Formula 1 motor racing legend Nigel Mansell will be in Ipswich tomorrow to cheer on The Pearl Izumi Tour Series cycling team he funds to raise awareness for a youth charity.

The former F1 world champion, who is now president of the 102-year-old British charity UK Youth, will be hoping the team end the season on a high and wins the series.

They are currently in pole position with a lead of 13 points over rivals Team Raleigh.

Ahead of the race, Mansell said: “It’s brilliant to be part of the Tour Series and the tremendous challenge it presents for our riders.

“On Friday we’ll be racing some of the best professional cyclists in this country, a privilege by anyone’s standards.

“The fact that Team UK Youth is at the top of the leaderboard is testament to the hard work and dedication of our riders – all of whom also serve as inspiring ambassadors for the charity.

“Our aim now is to maintain our efforts and challenge for one of the top team placings.”

Thousands of people are expected to line the route tomorrow to see some of Britain’s best athletes on two wheels racing through the streets of Ipswich at speeds of over 30mph.

Three separate races – including a new 12-pro rider contest dubbed the ‘Suffolk Most Active County Sprint Challenge’, and a race between amateur teams from local businesses, will be held between 3pm and 9pm.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to cycle the 1.2km circuit themselves – before the professionals take to the course.

There will also be a range of activities to take part in, including a rollerdrome where people can attempt to get to the top of the leaderboard with the fastest time.

The course starts and finishes on the Cornhill and passes through Westgate Street, Museum Street, Princes Street, along the Buttermarket to Upper Brook Street and then back along Tavern Street.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s paper for a special four-page Tour Series pullout