TOP cyclists are preparing to battle for victory in the Skipton Town Centre cycle races on Wednesday.

JLT Condor, Madison Genesis, Team Raleigh, Wheelbase Altura and Spirit Bikes have all entered teams into the elite race of the Boundless Networks-sponsored event.

This year, the race is part of British Cycling’s elite series and will be televised on Eurosport on July 12.

It promises to be a thrilling contest, with teams battling tactically with one another as they race through the closed town centre streets at speeds of about 25mph.

Spectators can watch the event for free, around the course, which starts in the High Street, turns left at Holy Trinity Church and then left onto Water Street, down Coach Street, left onto Swadford Street and back to the High Street.

The elite men’s race takes place between 8pm and 9.15pm, and follows junior fun races between 6pm and 6.30pm, and under-14s and under-16s youth races from 6.45pm to 7.30pm.

Cyclists race around the 1km circuit for an hour and then ten more laps before the finish. About 30 cyclists took part in 2015, but more than 50 have signed up already this year.

Visit skiptoncycleraces.co.uk to sign up for the junior fun races and for more details about the event.