Some of Britain’s top racing cyclists are heading to Huddersfield.

And organisers of the first-ever Huddersfield Criterium are delighted they will be lining up for a thrilling race around the town centre.

The Criterium on July 4 will feature three races on a circuit right through the heart of the town centre.

It is expected to draw big crowds as similar races elsewhere have produced thrills and spills and because the race is on the eve of the Tour de France arriving in Yorkshire.

Organiser Dave Sowerby said: “We are really excited about the news that Team NFTO have just signed up to bring 10 riders into the elite event.

“They will include the Downing brothers, Russ and Dean, from South Yorkshire. Russ is the current national circuit champion while Dean is a previous national champion.

“Also coming is Adam Blythe and Greg Mansell, a racing cyclist who is the son of former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell.

“They are part of one of the strongest race teams in the UK and it should make for a great spectacle”.

Mr Sowerby said he hoped to have 40 riders in the elite section with a similar number in the youths race. He has already had more than 70 entries for the third race.

The number of riders has to be limited because of the tight nature of some of the turns on the circuit.

The riders will race up Cloth Hall Street, along Market Street, down High Street and Ramsden Street, around Huddersfield Town Hall and along Victoria Lane to King Street.

Each race is timed for an hour and then the riders are given a 10-lap sprint finish.

“The course in Huddersfield is a classic town centre circuit and it should really test the riders, as well as proving a lot of excitement for the crowds”, said Mr Sowerby.

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