TOP cycling action returns to the streets of Ilkley on Wednesday with the fourth edition of the annual Ilkley Town Centre races.

Topping the bill in the Lister Horsfall Grand Prix will be Scott Thwaites and Tom Pidcock, who – together with Jack Pullar and Tom Moses – contested a thrilling sprint finish at the conclusion of the race last year.

Thwaites got the verdict and was sporting enough to point out that Pidcock still had to race on restricted low gears for junior riders, otherwise the finish might have been a good deal closer.

Pidcock, who took part in the first edition when aged 14, has returned to race each year. He is competing for the Otley-based PH-MAS/ Paul Milnes /Oldfield team and is one of the sport's brightest prospects.

He is the world junior cyclo-cross champion and was the winner of the prestigious Junior Paris-Roubaix classic this spring.

Last month the 17-year-old beat all the UK-based professionals in round nine of the televised British Tour Series at Durham with a virtuoso display of athleticism and bike handling in the damp conditions.

Thwaites was born in Steeton and raised in Burley-in-Wharfedale and is an extremely popular rider who will be assured of plenty of local support around the tough 1.5km circuit.

The 27-year-old professional recently raced the Critérium du Dauphiné in France with Team Dimension Data, riding against top stars of the sport such as Alberto Contador, Richie Porte, Alejandro Valverde and Chris Froome.

The Ilkley races kick off with the Dacre, Son & Hartley under-14s race at 6pm. That will be followed by the MAS Design under-16 event, the men's amateur race, the women's race and finally the Lister Horsfall GP.

Over 250 cyclists from around the country will be taking part across the five races, with the prize presentation and raffle draw closing proceedings at around 10pm.

Refreshments will be provided near the bandstand by Lishman's and Ilkley Brewery.

Ilkley Cycling Club provide the hundred volunteers needed to ensure the smooth and safe running of the event, avoiding the prohibitive cost of employing a professional events company.

Spokesman Jonathan Riley said: "The club is grateful for the wider support of businesses and residents in the town, especially in relation to road closures around the circuit.

"Once again, it promises to be a fascinating spectacle to see riders of all ages take on the Riddings Road climb and the high-speed home straight along The Grove."