THIS year’s LOGCO Otley Cycle Races are set to be ‘carbon neutral’.

The 2019 event, organised by Sonja Harper, takes place on Wednesday, July 3.

Past winners have included Mark Cavendish, Adam Blythe, Jonny Clay, Scott Thwaites and Russ Downing while in 2014 Otley’s Lizzie Deignan won the Women’s race shortly before becoming Commonwealth Games Road Race champion.

Now in its 34th year, the 2019 edition is set to continue its tradition of attracting the best riders in the country - and will feature the Pinsent Masons Women’s race, the first in the newly established Women’s Elite Circuit Race Series. As well as the Elite races there will be the Chevin Cycles Men’s Classic, youth races and a fun balance bike race for three to four year olds.

Sonja said: “As well as having a hugely talented field of riders bringing exciting racing to the streets, we are bringing the European bike race experience to Yorkshire with our first ever beer tent, hosted by North Bar and serving a selection of locally brewed beer.

“My mission is to make the cycle races carbon neutral this year. We’re minimising waste and planting trees to compensate for any carbon we’re responsible for, and investigating sites around Otley that might be suitable. We are also encouraging people to come by bike - don’t forget your lights and bike lock!”

A fenced-off bike parking area will be set up on the forecourt of the BP garage on Gay Lane.

The racing fun begins at 5.30pm. The Women’s Otley Grand Prix takes place at 7.30pm while the Property Development Group Men’s Otley Grand Prix starts at 8.30pm. For more visit www.otleycycleraces.com .