INCLUSION in British Cycling's new national circuit race series will give this year's Otley Town Centre Cycle Race a higher profile.

At the same time the lesser lights will not be ignored as new to the event - to be held on Wednesday, July 2 - will be a supporting senior race for third and fourth category riders, women and juniors.

"This is intended to give more riders the chance to compete in front of the crowds and to give local riders an opportunity to race at a realistic level of competition," said Mike Gill, a member of the organising committee.

The Otley race has proved a very popular event with the crowds in recent years with town centre roads closed to traffic by the police. It has proved a colourful and spectacular event and has attracted some of cycling's top names.

Crowds of up to 4,000 have been attracted and once again Eurosport TV commentator Mike Smith will be there to liven up the proceedings.

This time he will be accompanied by former Tour de France rider Barry Hoban.

Racing will start at 7.15 pm when there will be youth category races along Bondgate.

The category three and four, women and junior rider event will start at 7.45 pm with the main elite race coming under the flag at 8.25 pm.

Entries for the youth races should be sent to:

Michael Healey at 23, Trafalgar Gardens, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0RU or e-mail mike@atbman.freeserve.co.uk.

Race programmes priced at £1 can be bought in advance from Chevin Cycles in Gay Lane, Otley, or by sending payment plus an A5 stamped addressed envelope to:

Bernard Garnett, 8, Kell Beck, Otley, Leeds, LS21 2RF (telephone 01943 464865. The closing date for advance entries is June 11.