BUMPER crowds of up to 14,000 people are expected in Bondgate as the annual cycling party hits Otley next week.

Building on a tradition stretching back to 1985, this year’s LOGCO Otley Cycle Races take place on Wednesday, June 26 and showcase the unique link between grassroots cycling and the professional sport.

Featuring the opening rounds of British Cycling’s National Circuit Series for the UK’s fastest men and women on two wheels, the evening also has races for amateur riders as well as under-16s and opens with a sprint up Bondgate for very young racers on their balance bikes.

The circuit and surrounding roads will close at 5.15pm with racing starting at 5.30pm, building up to the National Series with the Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix at 7.30pm and the Rayner Foundation Men’s Otley Grand Prix at 8.30pm. Roads will re-open at 10pm The evening is organised be a team of volunteers from the local cycling scene who work closely with British Cycling to stage a professional event backed by key sponsors who share a love for the sport and a desire to see young riders given the opportunity to develop.

Race organiser Sonja Harper said: “Most of the team have worked on the races for years but we still get the same buzz of excitement every year – especially when we get the chance to launch the National Series like this year. We all want to see cycling flourish, any and all cycling – not just racing – and that is shared by our headline sponsors without whom we wouldn’t have an event.

“MAS Design Consultants have been with our races for years and are well-known for backing racing and race teams in Yorkshire. Otley Cycle Club are putting a lot of effort behind getting women and girls into racing and leisure cycling. Between them these two are sponsoring our under-16s races this year.”

“Chevin Cycles will once again sponsor the Classic Race. It may be one level down from the elite circuit series but you wouldn’t know it as the average speeds are just as fast. Women’s Grand Prix sponsor Santini are known their support of professional women’s teams at the very top of the sport and I’m really delighted that our long-standing sponsors Blacks, ID Planning and Park Lane Homes have named the Open Grand Prix for the Rayner Foundation. Founded in 1995 following the death of Dave Rayner, the charity's objectives are to help young people advance in life through the sport and healthy recreation of cycling.”

Often described as “a party with a bike race at its centre”, the evening attracts crowds of up to 14,000 who spread out round the tight, left-handed circuit from its start and finish line on Bondgate. The town’s thriving food and drink outlets are always busy and there are extra pop-up stands too, with local pubs claiming race night is busier than New Year’s Eve.

A team of seven volunteers from Otley Cycle Club and Otley Carnival committee have been delivering invitations to local residents living inside the circuit over the past week. “We’ve posted leaflets through around 2,000 letterboxes with details of the circuit, road closures and where people can enjoy the race, which of course is free to watch,” said Otley Club President, Tony Wild.