OVER 300 riders will set out on the gruelling Three Peaks Cycle Race on Sunday -- rated the toughest cyclo-cross event in Britain.

Among the favourites will be Andy Peace (above), who was fourth last year and Robert Jebb who missed the 1999 race because he was running for Great Britain in the world mountain running championships in Malaysia.

Ian Taylor, who was fifth last year, will also be hoping to clinch top spot to make it a double with his wife, Kali Exley, who won the ladies event last year. They will both be riding for Keighley Road Club. Helwith Bridge Alers, a group which includes a string of Keighley-based riders, will have a squad of over 10 riders taking part, including past winner Ian Ferguson who is a first year veteran this time.

Janine Pickard, from Riddlesden, will again be riding for Pace-Marie Curie and nine past winners will be taking part including six times winner Tim Gould and Chris Young who has picked up three titles.

Race organiser John Rawnsley - who has ridden in every one of the 40 runnings of the event - will also be lining for the start at Helwith Bridge.