Croydon will step on to the world stage this summer when it hosts two major events in the cycling calendar.

Thousands of spectators are expected to turn out to see the action on June 2 when the Pearl Izumi men’s tour series and Matrix Fitness women’s grand prix come to town.

Teams in action will include Team Wiggins, formed by 2012 Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins and the One Pro Cycling team, which includes England cricketer Matt Prior.

They will be hoping to beat defending champions JLT Condor.

The 75 minute men’s race is one of 10 events taking place this summer at different town centres across the country and is the only London event - other than Canary Wharf.

The one-hour women’s race is one of five events across the country.

The 1km cycle route includes the north part of the pedestrianised North End, crossing the tram lines at George Street, Church Street and Surrey Street.

Croydon Tramlink will be suspended in the town centre for the duration of the race, as well as in the lead up and immediately after, while Surrey Street market will close early to allow the event to take place.

As part of coverage of the race, Croydon will be the subject of a one hour highlights programme on ITV4 and Eurosport, which will be broadcast in 100 countries.

Council leader Councillor Tony Newman said: "This is a great opportunity to show off Croydon to a worldwide audience and demonstrates the growing confidence shown in our exciting borough.

"The Pearl Izumi men’s tour series and Matrix Fitness women’s grand prix are major sporting events that will contribute to the much-improved cultural offer of the town centre.

"It is a great opportunity to promote healthy living and encourage more people to cycle.

"With the new festival Ambition taking place the following month, this promises to be the start of a brilliant summer for Croydon."

Alastair Grant, director of tour series organisers SweetSpot, said: "Bringing the Pearl Izumi Tour Series to Croydon was a strategic decision which has been further strengthened by the enthusiasm that the council holds.

"We are looking forward to working within an established borough of London, especially one within such close proximity of the cycling heartlands in the south of the country.

"We hope that this is the start of a partnership that leads to other cycling events in the future."