Top riders from around Britain will compete at the Ilkley Cycle Races on Friday 28th June.
Surrounded as it is by the gorgeous Yorkshire countryside, Ilkley is a fantastic place for cycling and it is hardly surprising it boasts one of the country’s largest cycling clubs. The town has hosted a number of high-profile international cycle races, with the steep climb up to the Cow and Calf rocks at the edge of Ilkley Moor having been used several times by the Leeds Classic World Cup race, Tour of Britain and Tour de Yorkshire.
Once again, the popular Ilkley Cycle Races are part of British Cycling’s National Circuit Race Series. The top riders from around the country will be taking part in the 10th anniversary edition of the Ilkley Cycle Races. The race has proved to be extremely popular with both participants and spectators alike. The relatively short 1.5km circuit means that the racers come round frequently and at the same time the punchy climb up Riddings Road near the start of each lap ensures that it is not for the faint hearted. The very strongest riders can reach the top in under a minute, before the rapid descent back to the home straight where the peloton will be travelling at over 40 mph.
The lap record is just under 2 minutes and is held by local rider Tom Pidcock, who has gone on from wins at Ilkley to success at World & Olympic level and to shine in the World Tour with Ineos Grenadiers.
The event has the support of several fantastic local businesses and Ilkley Cycling Club provide the hundred volunteers needed to ensure the smooth and safe running of the event.
The Under 16s race starts at 5.30pm, sponsored by MAS Design, followed by the supporting races for women, sponsored by Ilkley Car Audio and then the men, backed by 93 Cycles. Ilkley Cycling Club fund the race for elite women with the famous Lister Horsfall Grand Prix for elite men bringing the racing to a close.
One of the best places to watch the event is along The Grove where the now customary Lishman’s barbecue, Las Stazione tuk tuk and Ilkley Brewery tents are set up next to the bandstand, joined this year by Bini Brew. Alongside this, additional stalls around the course include Buzz Coffee at the bottom of Parish Ghyll Road, and another pop-up bar at the top of Riddings Road . There’s always a great race night atmosphere with a large and appreciative crowd ready to roar the riders up the climb and cheer home another worthy winner. With this year marking 10 years since the first Ilkley Cycle Races took place to mark the Tour De France coming to the town, the organisers hope that this event will be remembered as yet another sporting highlight for the town.
For details of the event timings and course details visit the Ilkley Cycle Races website: ilkleycycleraces.co.uk
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