OTLEY Cycle Races organiser Nigel Bishop has spoken of his delight after the latest success of the annual cycling extravaganza.

Now in its 31st year, last night’s action continued the long tradition of world class racing in the town for both men and women.

Massed throngs once again filled the Bondgate circuit and beyond as a crowd estimated to be in excess of 10,000 enjoyed another feast of cycling.

Bishop was assisted by his wife Mandy who won the World Road Championships in 1983, with the couple assisted by Giles Pidcock, a former organiser of the event and now its technical director.

Rain earlier in the day gave way to bright sunshine for when the racing and Bishop said: “It has been fantastic and a massive effort from all the volunteers to bring a party like this to the streets of Otley.

“Mandy and I organising this year’s race has been a transition, not a coup, and we couldn’t have done it without the previous team having still been involved.

“Giles’ son Tom is doing so well himself in the sport now and he is now very busy supporting him with that.

“The Otley Cycle Races is such a big event to organise now that that it needs us all to chip in and make it happen.

“Will I be organising it again in 2017? I certainly will because this year has been a great success.”

There were six races in all, with the highlight being the Elite Men’s Race which brought down the curtain on the night’s events.

An improved public address system meant more people watching around the course were able to hear the race commentary which kept them well informed throughout the evening.

Charline Joiner (Ford EcoBoost) won the Women's Race with Henrietta Colborne (Ford EcoBoost) and Rose Osbourne (Drops CT) in second and third respectively.

The Chevin Cycles Classic was won by Theo Hartley before the main event of the Otley Grand Prix, won by Chris Lawless Lawless (JLT Condor) followed by Sebastian Mora Vedri (Raleigh GAC) and Felix English (Madison Genesis).

Bishop, who raced against Pidcock during his cycling career, is confident the Otley Cycle Races will continue to thrive.

He added: “We hope it will continue to grow because this event is not only supported by the cyclists but the whole town have taken it to their hearts.

“With that in mind, it can only ever continue to do well.

“It makes a great Wednesday night in Otley but we are always looking for support for the event.

“It is all done by volunteers, it’s not a cheap option to put on, so we have to make sure it’s sustainable and we are very grateful for the sponsors who help to ensure that.”