A SPECTACULAR flagship cycling race is set to speed through the streets of Skipton this summer.

The Skipton Criterium aims to attract professional and elite cyclists back to the town following the tremendous success of last year's Tour de France Grand Depart.

There will also be an opportunity for fun, community races involving adults and children on the closed circuit ahead of the main race on the evening of Thursday, July 2.

The event, being planned by Craven District Council, will help create a lasting legacy from the Tour de France, which gave Yorkshire an economic boost to the tune of £102 million.

The council, which has put aside £2,500 left over from last summer's Grand Depart for the event, believes it will cost around £24,000, with most coming from sponsorship.

The proposed route proposed is a short circuit along Mill Bridge, Water Street, Coach Street and Swadford Street, with the finish straight on the Tour de France route up Skipton High Street.

Councillor Simon Myers, lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “We want to help recreate the community spirit that we’ve seen in Skipton recently, both through the Tour de France passing through in 2014 and the Olympic Torch in 2012.

“This town centre cycle race will help keep up the momentum of interest in cycling, provide a fun event for the community and attract spectators and participants to the area.”

Cyclist Stuart Rider, owner of Skipton's Riders Cycle Centre, said it was fantastic news.

"It is an event that will endorse Skipton and it's Tour De France legacy. With so many local people riding bikes and so many successful cycling clubs in the area, an evening spent watching the UK's best road racers will make for an unforgettable evening and something for everyone to enjoy and talk about for a long time," he said.

"The town races in Otley and Ilkley are a fine example of how popular they are and how well attended they continue to be."

The event will provide an important opportunity to test the course and venue and will be run as a pilot with a view to taking it forward as a three-year project. It is hoped it could then be included in the British Cycling Elite Series. Similar Town Centre races have proved successful in Otley, llkley and Colne.

The council is currently receiving bids for the event management and an announcement is expected shortly to reveal the successful team.

The event has been registered with British Cycling and a proposed 1km route around the town has been approved as fit for purpose.

The Skipton Criterium will join two other major cycling events taking place in the area this summer. The Tour de Yorkshire takes place from May 1 to May 3, passing south of Skipton on May 3 as the route travels from Wakefield to Leeds.

Le Petit Tour, a cyclo-sportive run in collaboration with Craven District Council and Skipton Cycling Club, is taking place on Sunday May 31, and offers cyclists the chance to cover much of the Grand Depart route.