AS British Cycling’s Tour Series sweeps into Merseyside today, Crosby rider Mark McNally hopes home support will spur him to victory.

Southport will be the latest venue for the sport’s most talked about racing series as the streets of 10 towns and cities across the UK are filled with the high speed and high drama of close-quarters cycling.

The 1.3km circuit encompassing Southport’s Lord, Unison and Castle Streets will provide the sixth venue for some of the world’s fastest bikers to fight it out for the Tour Series points and Team Halford Bikehut’s McNally is raring to challenge the leaders this evening.

On Tuesday night his teammates romped to victory in Blackpool but fully rested after sitting out the race, the 19-year-old is champing at the bit to leave an impression in his own backyard.

He said: “I am really excited about the race to be honest. It has been in the back of my mind ever since the list of racing towns was announced. I have had a rest this week, I had not really stopped since the Tour of Ireland, so missed out on Tuesday night.

“My family will be out there tonight cheering me on and I remember my first ever race was in Victoria Park when I was 11-years-old, so in many ways this evening will be like going back to where it all started.”

The races begin at 7pm but various activities have been arranged to entertain spectators from 3pm.