Youngsters in Stevenage are to be given the chance to design the winner’s jerseys for a stage of a major world cycling event which will take place in Stevenage in June.

The Pearl Izumi Tour series will see some of the best male and female cyclists whizz round a course in Stevenage on Monday, June 6, and Stevenage Borough Council and race organisers SweetSpot want the town’s youngsters to come up with a winning design for both the male and female stage winners.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to watch the cyclists spin round a circuit in the Old Town before sprinting to the finish line on the High Street.

Children under 16 can use their computer design or hand drawing skills to come up with a design which must be submitted by 12 noon on April 26.

A panel of judges will pick the winning design and the winner will get the chance to stand on the podium in front of thousands and present the jersey to the stage winner and a jersey printed with their design, to keep.

Matt Partridge, the council’s strategic director, said: “Here in Stevenage we’re looking forward to welcoming world class male and female cyclists when the Pearl Izumi series comes to town. This competition is a great opportunity for young people in Stevenage to show off their creative talents and be part of a memorable day for our town.”

The competition is open to children who live or go to school in Stevenage and are under the age of 16 by the submission date. Entries from children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by written consent from a parent or guardian.

Entry forms and the competition terms and conditions are available at www.stevenage.gov.uk/the-tour.