THE Otley Town Centre Cycle Race will bring a buzz of activity to the town centre on Wednesday, July 2, when roads will be closed off.

This year there will be an added race and events start at 7.15pm.

Up to 80 of the country's top cyclists will compete in the Chevin Cycles sponsored event which is organised by Otley Cycle Club.

Speeds of up to 35 mph are expected during the race on a 1.4 mile closed road circuit.

Cyclists will lap once every four minutes and race for 45 minutes and five laps (Elite race) to contest overall victory and £1,000 prize money.

Now in the 18th year the races will be part of the prestigious British Cycling National Circuit Race Series, which will incorporate an Elite race (8.25pm) and a Senior race (7.45pm).

As a curtain raiser to the main event there will be a number of children's races along the finishing straight (Bondgate) between 7.15pm and 7.40pm. Roads in the town will be closed from 6.30pm until 10pm.

The race has attracted an impressive line up most notably Chris Newton (Corima), the current world track points champion and John Tanner (Life repair team).