British Cycling has confirmed that the process to apply to host one of the six rounds of the 2018 HSBC UK | National Downhill Series will open shortly, whilst the organisation has also paid tribute to outgoing series organiser, Simon Paton.

Mr Paton has been in charge of the organisation of the country’s premier downhill series since 2008, and British Cycling’s director of cycling, Jonny Clay, has hailed his contribution to the series.

“Simon Paton has played a big role in the development of the National Downhill Series, and he will be a hard act to follow. That said we are determined to see the series continue to grow, starting in 2018.

“British Cycling and HSBC UK will continue to fully support any new organisers interested in tendering for the series or an event within the series, and we look forward to the HSBC UK | National Downhill Series going from strength to strength.”

Tender applications will be open soon, and more details will be available on the British Cycling website.