Ilkley Cycle Races: All you need to know!

Ilkley Cycle Races return tomorrow [Michael Harris]

The countdown is nearly over, and anticipation is building across Ilkley as the town prepares to host one of its biggest sporting evenings of the year.

With just one day to go until the Ilkley Cycle Races, a key round of the British Cycling National Circuit Series, the town is set to welcome elite riders, supporters and visitors for an evening of fast, tactical racing and vibrant community atmosphere.

On Friday 3^rd July, the streets of Ilkley will once again be transformed into a closed-road race circuit, bringing high-speed cycling into the heart of the town centre. The course is widely regarded as one of the most technical and demanding on the national calendar, combining tight corners, a sustained climb and rapid descents that create constant opportunities for attacks, breakaways and decisive moves.

The race circuit begins outside Bettys Café Tea Rooms on The Grove, right in the centre of Ilkley. From there, riders head into a sharp 90-degree right-hand turn before tackling a steep climb up Riddings Road, where spectators will also find a lively viewing point complete with refreshments and a Bini Brew Co bar. The climb is short but punchy, immediately testing positioning and early race rhythm.

From the top of Riddings Road, another right-hand turn leads onto a longer, flowing section along Albany Walk and Parish Ghyll Drive. This stretch eases slightly in gradient but is often where the strongest riders look to apply pressure and establish gaps, using the sustained effort to string out the peloton before the decisive parts of the lap.

The course then reaches its highest point just before the end of Parish Ghyll Drive, before dropping sharply down Wilton Road. Riders are immediately thrown into a fast, technical corner that feeds onto Grove Road, launching them back towards the town centre at high speed.

The return leg passes directly through the event village at the western end of The Grove, where spectators can take in the action alongside a range of food and drink offerings, including another Bini Brew Co bar, authentic Mexican cuisine, home-baked treats, hot drinks, loaded sandwiches and a pop-up bar run by Martinez. The combination creates a lively focal point for the evening, with racing unfolding just metres away. Ilkley Bandstand plays host to more food and drink with Lishmans hosting their famous BBQ and Bini Brew Co serving too.

This year’s programme features a full evening of races, including the MAS Design Youth Races, Andy’s Man Club Masters and Bini Brew Co Classic before the climax of the event, the Milly Grace Grand Prix and the Lister Horsfall Grand Prix. Each race plays an important role in the overall event, from developing young talent through to high-speed senior competition, ensuring a continuous flow of racing action throughout the evening.

The event is organised by Ilkley Cycling Club in partnership with British Cycling and local authorities, whose collaboration ensures the safe and smooth delivery of the races. Road closures will be in place from 2:30pm along The Grove, marking the start of event build-up and allowing the circuit to be fully secured. From early afternoon onwards, Ilkley is expected to be busy with visitors making the most of its independent hospitality scene before taking up positions along the circuit.

The full running order is:

• 5:30 pm    MAS Design Youth Race- Spotlighting the next generation of champions

• 6:00 pm    Andy's Man Club Men's Masters– Competitive racing for seasoned cyclists aged 40+

• 6:35 pm    Bini Brew Men's Classic– A fast, fiercely contested race for category 2,3,4 racers

• 7:15 pm    Prize presentations

• 7:40 pm    Milly Grace Women’s Grand Prix– One of the premier women’s criteriums in the UK.

• 8:40 pm    Lister Horsfall Men's Grand Prix– A high-speed, high-stakes showdown for elite racers.

• 9:45 pm    Elite prize presentations

  
  

The races have become a true community effort, with local residents, businesses and volunteers working together to create an event that brings the whole town to life.

“The Ilkley Cycle Races are a standout event for the town, bringing world-class cycling right into the heart of our community. We’re proud to support an event that not only delivers thrilling sport on our doorstep, but also showcases Ilkley to thousands of spectators and visitors. What makes it particularly special is the way it brings together local businesses, volunteers and residents to create something genuinely unique. Supporting the races is our way of investing in that community spirit and helping ensure the event continues to grow year on year.” Said James Saul, Director, Silverspring Sales & Lettings.

A key element of this year’s event is the continued partnership with Andy's Man Club, which will have a visible presence throughout the evening. The charity will use the platform of one of Yorkshire’s most high-profile cycling events to promote its message that it’s okay to talk, encouraging open conversations around mental health and helping to challenge stigma in a public setting.

As racing gets underway and the evening unfolds, spectators can expect close competition, repeated attacks on the climbs, and high-speed charges through the centre of Ilkley as riders navigate one of the most distinctive circuits in British cycling.

Tom Harris, one of the event organisers, said: “The Ilkley Cycle Races are a fantastic showcase of cycling in the heart of the town. Every race on the programme plays an equal part in what makes the evening so special, and we’re proud to see riders of all ages and abilities taking to the same challenging circuit. The support from our partners, volunteers and the wider community is what makes it all possible, and we’re especially proud to be working with Andy’s Man Club to help highlight such an important message around mental health. We’re looking forward to another brilliant evening in Ilkley.”

As final preparations are completed and riders arrive in town, everything is in place for another exciting and memorable edition of the Ilkley Cycle Races.