CYCLISTS of all ages and abilities have celebrated 300 days until one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar comes to Bradford.

A wet and freezing City Park welcomed women’s pro-cyclist Sophie Thackray - who races in both cyclo-cross and road cycling teams - and a hardy bunch of riders from East Bradford Cycling Club and Queensbury Queens Cycling Club as they prepare for the arrival of the UCI World Championships.

Bradford city centre will host the start of the Women's Elite Race on Saturday, September 28 2019 and the Men’s Elite Race will pass through Ilkley and Addingham the following day.

Sophie, who lives in Eldwick and goes to Ilkley Grammar School, took part in this year’s Women’s Tour de Yorkshire and hopes to line-up next to some of the World's best cyclists next year and pull on the winner's coveted Rainbow jersey.

She said: "It will inspire more people to get involved.

"When they see the race they will think 'I can do that' and it really helps get people involved who normally wouldn't be interested in cycling.

"It will be brilliant for me to race here. It will mean everything to me,

"It's so close to home for a lot of Yorkshire riders and it's great for me.

"People will see the race and think "I want to come to Bradford" and it might get rid of some of the negative attitudes towards the city."

With the Women's Elite Race starting in the city, female cyclists hope the profile of the sport will be raised and benefit from the global audience tuning in.

Helen Simpson, a member of East Bradford Cycling Club, added: "It's really exciting and inspiring more ladies to race.

"We will get to see people like (former World Champion) Lizzie Deignan in our own city.

"The fact there's so much cycling going on in Yorkshire is brilliant.

"We will have World Championships on our doorstep and I hope it boosts cycling funding for cycling in Bradford and for ladies cycling on the whole."

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said the event will be a boost to tourism in Bradford.

She added: "This will show Bradford is the place to be for cycling.

"We are a very welcoming district and have all the challenges that come with an undulating Yorkshire countryside.

"It strengthens the tourism offers that are related to cycling and the tourism economy.

"It will benefit hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars as well as showcasing the beautiful countryside that surrounds the beautiful district."