THOUSANDS of spectators are expected to flock to Skipton town centre on Wednesday, July 11 for the Yorkshire Housing Skipton Cycle Races.

Last year’s National Circuit Series champion, Matt Gibson of JLT Condor, is set to take part in the event, joining a field of dozens of top cyclists for the race, which will be televised.

Olympic, world and European team pursuit champion Ed Clancy is also due to take part, along with the winner of Skipton’s race in 2017, Jon Mould, both riding for JLT Condor.

Harry Tanfield, of Canyon Eisberg, who came second in Skipton last year and went on to secure a stunning victory in Stage One of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire, is also on the provisional riders list.

Councillor Richard Foster, Craven District Council leader, said: “This is the fourth year we have transformed Skipton Town Centre into a spectacular cycle racing circuit.

“Last year’s event was incredibly successful with thousands of people turning out for the races and we are hoping for another exciting, high-speed event to thrill the crowds this year.”

Spectating is free for the event, which will see the cyclists speeding round a one-kilometre circuit from Skipton High Street, along Water Street, Coach Street, Swadford Street and back up the High Street.

There will be Under-12 fun races from 6pm to 6.30pm, followed by youth races from 6.45pm to 7.30pm, and the HSBC National Circuit Series elite men’s race from 8pm to 9pm.

Parking charges on the Council car parks will be suspended from 4.30pm. There will still be access to the Town Hall car park via the Rectory Lane entrance but not to Coach Street car park after 4.45pm.

Parking will be suspended on Skipton High Street and Water Street all afternoon and evening on July 11.

At 4.15pm the High Street will be closed for its entire length, with the northern roundabout open until 4.45pm when there will be a full lock-down of the entire course. However, there will be access to leave Coach Street car park until 6pm.

All roads except the High Street will re-open by around 10pm and the High Street will open by around 11pm.

The riders list is provisional and teams can change their riders until one hour before the event.

The races are organised by Craven District Council, supported by Skipton BID and sponsored by Yorkshire Housing, Dale Eddison Estate Agents, Howden’s Joinery, and Skipton Market.