SOME of the best professional and elite cyclists in the country will be powering their way around the streets of Skipton tonight.

Hundreds of fans are expected to cheer on the riders as they negotiate a 970-metre town centre circuit in the first-ever Skipton Science Fitness Criterium.

Among the top local riders taking part is Pete Williams, of Embsay, who rides for One Pro Cycling and has won a number of races this year already.

He said the cyclists will put on a fantastic show for the crowds. “The speed we get up to in town centre races is quite something. We’ll be doing over 30mph in places,” he said.

“It’s really spectacular, with the cyclists so close together. We’re going to have some of the best guys in the country there and it’s free to watch!"

The main elite men's race will start at 8pm, but the event starts at 6pm with several fun and youth races, including a fun race for children.

The circuit, along High Street, Water Street, Coach Street and Swadford Street, will be open to adults with bikes and helmets to ride between 6.30pm and 6.45pm.

A number of road closures will be in place during the event and parking will be suspended all day for the whole of the High Street and Water Street.

Temporary traffic lights will become operational from 3.30pm at the Caroline Square roundabout.