THE Ilkley Cycle Races give a superb opportunity for riders to race on closed roads in front of a big crowd, with past winners including successful local professionals such as Scott Thwaites and Pete Williams.

World Champions Lizzie Deignan and Tom Pidcock have also participated in the popular event. There could be future professional and Olympic hopefuls taking part in the boys or girls under-14 and under-16 races this year too.

This fifth year of the event again sees riders competing over a challenging 1.5-kilometre circuit, with a high speed finish along The Grove.

Ilkley Cycling Club secretary Jonathan Riley said: "I think the race is firmly in the calendar as one of the biggest events of the year for the town."

The second stage of this year's Tour de Yorkshire finished at the top of the Cow and Calf in Ilkley and Riley was confident that this would inspire the locals, enthusing: "It reinforces that appetite for cycling and the special atmosphere that comes with that."

He admitted that the course presents some challenges, particularly the tough climb up Riddings Road ramp. He said: "The going up is hard but coming down is quite tricky as well.

"We've got hay bales there just in case as it's rather unique for its gradient!"

Riley was positive about the youth races too, highlighting their importance by saying: "It's a massive plus and it's one of the reasons we're really keen to promote the event.

"You have riders like Tom Pidcock that have come up through the ranks and competed in those junior races and are now full-blown professionals.

"It's massively important for youngsters to have a chance, and feel as though they have a chance, and to see that pathway open to them."

People can enjoy the food and drink on offer at the event, and Riley laughed: "They don't have to wait until after the race. There'll be the usual barbecue and Ilkley Brewery tents next to the bandstand, so people can get stuck in from the start."

An action-packed race programme will run from 5.55pm and into the night, bringing a mix of elite and amateur male and female cycle racing to the streets of Ilkley.

The race event schedule is as follows: 5:55pm Under-14s (20 minutes); 6:25pm Under-16s (25 min); 7pm Women’s (40 min); 7:45pm Men’s for third and fourth category riders (40 min); 8:40pm Elite Men’s (60 min); 9:50pm Event expected to finish.

The main race sponsors are: Lister Horsfall Jewellers Ilkley; Chevin Cycles - Otley, Harrogate, Skipton; MAS Designs - Guiseley; Ilkley Cinema; Ilkley Motor Co. David Graves and Out the Saddle Prints/ Eme Fabric & Yarn Ilkley.