Volunteers wanted to help drive the future of Ilkley Cycle Races

Ilkley Cycle Races [Photo: Michael Harris]

The Ilkley Cycle Races are looking for local volunteers to join their organising team and help shape the future of one of the town’s biggest sporting events.

For one evening each summer, Ilkley’s centre is transformed into a cycling circuit, with hundreds of riders racing in front of thousands of spectators. The event has quickly become a major fixture in the local calendar, bringing elite and amateur racing, businesses and spectators into the town.

The races have their roots in the excitement created by the Tour de France’s visit to Yorkshire in 2014. With the Tour de France set to return to the UK next summer, organisers say it feels fitting to refresh and grow the team behind the event.

Run under British Cycling regulations and supported by Ilkley Cycling Club, the races have attracted elite riders from across the UK and internationally, helping put Ilkley on the cycling map.

The event is currently organised by Tom Harris, supported by Ilkley Cycling Club Chair Martin Peace. The organisers are now looking for more volunteers, stressing that you don't need to be a cycling expert.

Roles include sponsorship and local business liaison, marketing and PR, event logistics, volunteer coordination, health and safety and general organisation. Some roles require year-round involvement, while others become busier in the weeks before race day.

Tom Harris said: "The Ilkley Cycle Races have become something we're incredibly proud of, and seeing the town come alive on race night is what makes all the work worthwhile. But an event like this doesn't happen because of one or two people, it takes a team.

We're looking for people who want to be part of that team. You don't need to know everything about cycling, and you certainly don't need to be a racing expert. If you've got skills in marketing, business, safety, communications or bringing people together, there’s a place for you. Equally, if you just love the races and want to get more involved, we'd love to hear from you."

The races bring people into Ilkley, create opportunities for local businesses and give residents the chance to experience high-level competitive cycling on their doorstep. Race evening has become a community occasion, with spectators lining the streets and the town centre taking on a unique atmosphere.

Martin Peace, Chair of Ilkley Cycling Club, said "The Ilkley Cycle Races have become a fantastic event for the town and a great opportunity to showcase competitive cycling in Ilkley. The club is proud to support the races and we're keen to see them continue to develop.

What makes the event particularly special is that it's not just for cycling enthusiasts. It brings the whole town together and gives people the chance to see high-quality racing right in the centre of Ilkley. Bringing more people into the organising team now will help make sure we can build on that and keep the event going for years to come."

From the Tour de France's arrival in Yorkshire in 2014 to its return to the UK next summer, cycling continues to capture the imagination across the region. The Ilkley Cycle Races are now looking for the people who will help write their next chapter.

Anyone interested in joining the organising team can contact organiser@ilkleycycleraces.co.uk.