PETERBOROUGH firms are being urged to enter teams in a ‘business grand prix’ kart race around a 1.1km city centre track to coincide with the high profile Halfords Tour Series cycle race in Peterborough on Tuesday 15 June 2010.

Up to 20 teams of three people will compete in a Le Mans-style race in pedal-powered KMX karts – a three-wheeled fusion of go-kart, BMX bicycle and mountain bike.  The race will celebrate the launch of an Active Workplaces initiative designed to encourage workers to become fitter, happier and more productive.

The KMX race is sponsored by Living Sport, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough County Sport Partnership that promotes and encourages sports and physical activity at all levels across all age groups.  It is also supported by Peterborough City Council’s Travelchoice sustainable transport team.

Iain Crighton, chairman of Living Sport and president of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said, “The KMX race will be great fun and a great opportunity for the teams to compete in front of crowds of spectators prior to the televised Tour Series race.

“We hope it encourages more people to include healthy activities in their daily lifestyles.  Research shows that keeping fit helps reduce workplace sickness absence and that physical activity can help guard against the development of conditions such as heart disease and type two diabetes.”

Peterborough is one of 10 venues for the Halfords Tour Series featuring 50 international calibre riders in 10 teams competing for one hour plus five laps over the 1.1 kilometre city centre circuit.

Trevor Gibson, also a Living Sport board member and environment capital director at Peterborough City Council, added: “Peterborough’s extensive network of on and off road cycle routes, including the Green Wheel, makes it an ideal host for the Halfords Tour Series.  The KMX race is a great way for local businesses to be involved in this high profile event.”

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Tour Series, each round of the Halfords Tour Series will again be televised on ITV4 at 7pm the evening after each round, engaging audiences nationwide with Britain’s best Olympic sport.

There will be a carnival atmosphere throughout the day with displays and static bike competitions in Long Causeway from 11am.  Living Sport will deliver activities, including a climbing wall, outdoor circuits, fitness exercises and games on Cathedral Green.  The Business Grand Prix, consisting of two heats and a final, will take place from 3pm to 4pm. For more information and an entry form visit: www.livingsport.co.uk, telephone Ejaz Moghul on 01487 849913 or email activeworkplaces@livingsport.co.uk.