One thousand cyclists from across the country are expected to descend on Ilkley this Sunday when Ilkley Cycle Club hosts one of Yorkshire’s Premier Cycle Sportives – The White Rose Classic.

Cycle Sportives are becoming hugely popular as tough endurance events where the riders race against the clock to achieve a personal best time.

For many simply completing the challenging route will be a massive achievement in itself.

Starting and finishing at Ilkley Rugby Club, the riders will head out through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales .

They will be offered a choice of three fabulous routes of 114 miles, 84 miles and 50 miles.

The epic long route takes in the fearsome climbs of Norwood Edge, Fleet Moss and the Coal Road into Dentdale, finishing with a final ‘sting in the tail’ over Langbar.

The first riders will be setting off at 7am.

Event organiser Alison Kinloch said: “Ilkley Cycling Club are delighted to be able to host this prestigious cycling event and staging it will help achieve one of the club’s objectives of making Ilkley a central hub for cycling.”

The event headquarters will be at the Ilkley Rugby Club where food and drink will be available.

There will also be plenty of family orientated entertain- ment, including a bouncy castle and children’s cycling.

The day promises to be more than just a cycle event with something for the whole family.

Sponsorship has been provided by engineering firm Spooners.

Sue Ryder Cancer Care Charity who will receive 10 per cent of the proceeds.

JD Cycles will be providing support for any mechanical malfunctions and riders will have the opportunity to refuel at feedstations supplied by War- burtons.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Ilkley Cycle Club is encouraged to call in at the rugby club on Sunday.