CruZer Tour kicks off tonight

Americans Dave Mirra, Mike Spinner, British riders Mark Webb, Ben Wallace, Mike Miller, Chris Mahoney and Italian rider Alessandro Barbero are amongst the riders that will hit the streets for the 2007 Braun cruZer Tour's opening leg a the Nokia FISE event in France which commences this evening. Webb has risen to become one of the world's best spine and street riders and is the reigning two time cruZer Tour champion.

He will face a strong challenge not only from American professionals Mirra and Spinnner, but also fellow Brit Wallace who was second in last year's tour.

Italian Barbero, who won the Pro Park competition at the 2006 Suzuki BMX Masters, could be a good outside bet while Khone, Miller and Mahoney will also be keen to get their hands on a share of the 5,000 EUR first round prize.

After a qualification round on Friday May 18, the stage final will take place on Saturday May 19.

The athletes pick up points at each event, which go towards an overall standing. The Braun cruZer Tour champion will pick up EUR 6,500, second place EUR 4,500 third EUR 2,500, fourth EUR 1,000 and fifth EUR 500.