An international cycle race will return to the streets of Croydon this summer after drawing thousands of spectators into the town centre last year.

Riders competing in the Pearl Izumi Tour Series will pass through the town centre on June 7 for the penultimate leg of the month-long event, including a team led by former Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins .

Crowds lined the 1km route for last year's race debut in the borough - dubbed "Croydon carnage" by one pundit because of the injuries sustained by the athletes in crashes.

The route for this year's race is yet to be finalised, although it is expected to pass through South End.

JUNE 2015: World-class cyclists take on 'Croydon carnage' with Matrix Fitness GP Series and Pearl Izumi Tour

Labour council leader Tony Newman said: “The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is a major sporting event which, last year, contributed to the much-improved cultural offer of the town centre. “We’ve always stated that we’re ambitious for Croydon and hosting an event of this nature is further evidence of that.

“It was great to see thousands of people line the streets last year, and enjoying entertainment throughout the afternoon, as well as the two races themselves."

The council spent £107,721 on helping to stage last year's race, although it said the event generated £106,000 income.

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Lauren Creamer tackles the Green Dragon turn during last year's race. Photo: SweetSpot Group

Cllr Newman described this year's race as a "great opportunity to promote healthy living and encourage more people to cycle", while simultaneously allowing Croydon to be "broadcast to a worldwide audience.”

Highlights of the race will once again be screened on ITV4 and on the channel's online ITV hub service.

Lynne Hale, Conservative shadow cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said she supported the promotion of cycling in the borough.

But she questioned the wisdom of spending large amounts of public money on such an event during a time of austerity.

FEBRUARY 2015: Bradley Wiggins bringing cycling team to Croydon as Pearl Izumi men’s tour series and Matrix Fitness women’s grand prix come to town

She said: "When [the council] are making cuts left right and centre, then it could be asked whether this is something they should be putting their money into.

"It's a good thing in some ways. If it is [cost-neutral] than that's OK. [But] I don't know whether we have ever seen any formal figures on that."

The 10-leg series begins on the Isle of Man on May 12, taking in locations across the UK, before finishing five weeks later in Portsmouth on June 9.

Croydon will host the only London-based leg of the tour As with last year, the borough will host a men’s and a women’s race.

The 2015 men’s race saw Marcin Bialoblocki of One Pro Cycling first over the line, while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Joiner, of Team WNT, won the women’s race.

British teams set to compete in the 2016 Pearl Izumi Tour Series include NFTO, Pedal Heaven, and Team Wiggins, the team led by former Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins.

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