Cycling fever will hit Otley at 7.15pm on Wednesday, July 2, as up to 80 of the country's top cyclists compete in the Chevin Cycles of Otley Town Centre Cycle Races, organised by Otley Cycle Club.

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

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.

As the competition hots up for the tile of the National Champion 2003, the race has attracted an impressive line up most notably Chris Newton (Corima), the current world track points champion.

Also competing will be a continental professional rider based in France in Fdejeux.com's Bradley Wiggins. He has recently completed the Tour of Italy.

Other top rider's entered include John Tanner (Life repair team), the current leader of the premier calendar, and in what will be an impressive comeback race, the retired Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello RT), who has previously competed in the Tour de France and taken a points Jersey in the Tour of Spain.

Eurosport's Mike Smith and Britain's most successful Tour de France rider Barry Hoban will provide commentary.

All races will take place on a fully closed and barriered race circuit. A crowd of up to 4,000 spectators and a carnival atmosphere is anticipated.

Local riders to look out for include in the elite race - Brian Field (Otley CC), Simon Harrison (Team Chevin Cycles), Elliott Teal (Team Chevin Cycles), Phil Wilson (Team Chevin Cycles), John Oldridge (Airedale Olympic).

In the senior race David Harrison (Otley CC), Mike Gill (Team Chevin Cycles), Marc Help (Team Chevin Cycles), Matthew Peacock (Team Chevin Cycles), Phillip Thompson (Team Chevin Cycles), Tim Wilson (Airedale Olympic).