THE spectators came out in force again to watch another thrilling night of racing around the streets of Skipton.

The Yorkshire Housing Skipton Cycle Races never fail to disappoint and the latest edition showed once again that the town is an excellent venue for cycling with 5,000 spectators lining the streets.

Even the weather was kind on a night that belonged to the JLT Condor team. Their riders filled five of the top six places as they dominated the second race in this year’s HSBC National Circuit Racing Series.

Jon Mould took the victory after holding off the challenge of BIKE Channel Canyon rider Harry Tanfield, who fought bravely despite being a lone force against the might of the JLT Condor riders at the head of the race.

Twenty-year-old Matt Gibson took third place and that was sufficient to give him the overall lead in the series. JLT Condor, not surprisingly, are 86 points ahead of their nearest challengers in the team standings.

Keighley’s Tom Moses, fresh from his stage win at the Tour of the Reservoir, finished fourth after featuring prominently in the action with his JLT Condor colleagues Brenton Jones and Graham Briggs fifth and sixth respectively.

The dry conditions, so welcome after the opening race in the series was contested in pouring rain at Otley, meant that the pace of the race was high.

Moses was the first to launch an attack before Tanfield and Mould upped the tempo.

The intermediate sprint prize went to Mold before Moses joined him at the front in a move which was to prove significant.

Tanfield responded by breaking from the pack and joining the leaders. He was followed by Gibson which meant he was the only none JLT Condor rider in the leading quartet.

The top four were clear of the field and after attacks from Moses, Tanfield and Gibson, Mold timed his sprint perfectly to take the victory.

The youth race produced another win for the Otley rider of Sam Watson (Chevin Cycles). He followed up his victory at Otley with another impressive display.

Sharon Hudson, Communications and Partnerships Manager at Craven District Council, which organised the event, said: “We’re delighted that so many people came along to enjoy such an exciting race.

"We are very fortunate to have the chance to see these world-class cyclists in action right on our doorstep.

“The town was buzzing and the children’s and junior races were really well supported too with some fantastic riding from the young cyclists.

“Many thanks to all those who helped make this race such a success, particularly co-funders Skipton BID, support from Skipton Town Council, and sponsors Yorkshire Housing, Midgeley Motor Cars, Howden’s Joinery, Skipton Market and Visit Skipton. Thanks also to all the volunteers who helped out on the night and ensured everything ran smoothly.”