A BUSINESS is taking advantage of the popularity of Cycling in Colchester by opening a third shop.

Cycle Evolution, focusing on specialist bikes, will open in Peartree Business Centre, in Stanway, on Saturday.

Stephen Tedder, spokesman for the store, said the number of people cycling in Colchester had risen 25 per cent after the investment of more than £4million in Cycle Colchester.

He said this, combined with the Tour Series and Tour of Britain events in Colchester, the Olympic mountain biking being staged in Hadleigh, the success of British cyclists on the international stage and the price of petrol, meant cycling had never been a more attractive prospect.

Mr Tedder added: “Cycling is a shining beacon and all the conditions are set right.”

The business will be run by brothers Paul and Darren Thomas, who are the driving force behind the enterprise.

Their shops, called Cycle Revolution, started in Ipswich and at the Peartree Business Centre.

Mr Tedder said: “The family-owned business has been running for 25 years, but this is something completely new.

“Despite spending £250,000 on the existing store, they have run out of space, so are opening a new store.

“Cycling has had a massive impact on Colchester and it is much more than getting from A to B, but is also a serious sport with a massive customer base.

“This will be the premier store in East Anglia, a flagship store.”

Staff will take measurements from customers to find the right bike to meet their needs.

The shop will be called Cycle Evolution because it will be focused on the next stage for cycling, and it is hoped it will attract people from far and wide.

It is hoped some high-profile cyclists will open the store on Saturday, while visitors will have a chance to try out some of the newest bikes.

Bike manufacturers will be on hand throughout the day, from 9am until 6pm.