THERE’S a nod to British cycling’s proud history and heritage as well as a glimpse of an exciting future when this year’s Otley Cycle Races are flagged off on the town’s Bondgate circuit on Wednesday.

Equal billing for elite men’s and women’s racing and our first race for up and coming under-16 girls show how the sport is progressing, while ex-World Road Cycling champion Mandy Bishop joins the organising team and Fyffes headline sponsorship reminds us that the banana industry has supported cycling for over 30 years.

The showpiece of the night is undoubtedly the Property Development Otley Grand Prix featuring many of the UK’s top male riders. This year it kick-starts the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series. Coming hot on the heels of the National Road Race it will feature a ‘Who’s Who’ of athletes who are at peak fitness and may have scores to settle from this weekend’s National Championships.

A highly-competitive race is expected, on what is acknowledged as the toughest course of its type in the country.

No fewer than four previous winners line up in the 100-strong Grand Prix field, in Scott Thwaites, Felix English, Graham Briggs and the perennial Russ Downing. Thwaites, from up the road in Burley in Wharfedale, is a lone entry from team Bora Argon but the others head strong squads from Madison Genesis, JLT Condor and NFTO respectively.

Tom Pidcock could hit the headlines if he follows up his Otley win in last year’s Chevin Cycles Classic with a win in the elite race this year – a double which has previously only been achieved by Adam Blythe, and never in consecutive years.

The Pinsent Masons Women’s Grand Prix is in its fourth year, and is now established as part of British Cycling’s Elite Women’s roadrace series. Over 80 of the top women cyclists will be scrapping hard for points towards a National title; the biggest start-sheet to date, capping the 63 starters last year.

The field is headed by the current top three points-scorers in the women’s sport this year, in Nicola Juniper, Grace Garner and Alice Barnes. Tenth in that list is local Bramhope girl Gabriella Shaw, adding strength in depth to Garner’s Podium Ambition La Santa squad on the night.

Before the elite men take to the circuit there are also races for club riders and juniors. And just like the two Grand Prix, the youth races feature cycling talent and champions from right across the UK.

For the first time, we have separate u-16 races for male and female riders, reflecting the rapid growth in the sport at junior level. If last year’s u-16 race is any guide, expect lap averages around 25mph – that’s just 1mph slower than the pros!

Providing for bigger crowds is a challenge to the organisers each year, especially when it comes to keeping them in touch with the action.

This year, an improved PA system will take the race commentary to more parts of the course, and as well as the many pubs and food shops on the course spectators will also be able to stoke up with hogroast, crepes or wood-fired pizza.

Famous for its tight, testing road-race circuit, Otley Cycle Races is a favourite with the riders and with crowds. Recent years have seen crowds around 20,000 lining the circuit, with bike racing fanatics rubbing shoulders with local families all out to enjoy Otley’s fabled hospitality and love of a party!

Otley resident and race media spokesman John McPherson said: “Once again we’ll be bringing our amazing town to a standstill for a thrilling evening of sport.

“We’re really grateful to the residents and traders who have to work round us on the night, and once again we’d like to invite everyone out to enjoy the party, especially as there’s no football!

“If you are coming to the races, there is dedicated parking at the entry points to the town and our advice is park there and walk in.

“If you’re not coming out to join us, don’t forget that roads affected by the course are closed to traffic between 5pm-10.30pm.

“Please stay safe. With huge crowds expected, and groups of riders and race vehicles travelling at speeds up to 50mph, it’s really important that people only use the marshalled crossing points and obey all instructions from police, marshals or race officials.”