THE gruelling Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross race will take place on Sunday for the 40th time. A number of local riders will contest this the toughest of cyclo-cross events which starts from Helwith Bridge at 10 am and climbs the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent.

John Rawnsley, the winner of the first race back in 1961 is now the race organiser and the dominant force in recent years has been international rider Chris Young.

The event has attracted 300 riders including 15 ladies among whom is former Wharfedale Newspapers advertising rep Kali Taylor (nee Exley) who won the ladies' event last year.

The riders will tackle around 26 miles of on and off road riding as they battle for the first prize of £500. The entry list includes nine past winners including six times winner Tim Gould.

He won the event in 1984, 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89.

Representing Otley's Team Chevin will be Ben Patton who took 19th place in last year's race and Gerard Mallinson who will be tackling the Three Peaks for the first time.

Other Team, Chevin riders will be Matt Bailey, Tony Beddis, Terry Beddis, Andrew Moxon and John Phillips.

Otley Cycle Club riders taking part will be Ian Cullen, Nick Elder, Tim Howcroft, Phil Mason and first timer Michael Mudd who will be one of two juniors in the race.

A number of locals also feature in the Pace Team including Addingham's Reg Haigh who was first super vet in 1999 and 25th iverall and three times past winner Chris Young from Gargrave.

The other Pace riders will be Rob Cooke, Richard Hunt, Janine Pickard, John Ratcliffe, Bob Taylor and Chris Wilkinson.

As well as the £500 prize for the first man there is £200 for the first lady and £50 for each summit prime.

The race is a real test of stamina with a total of 27 kms on the road, 33kmns on unsurfaced tracks and 6-8 kms of unrideable land where the riders have to pick up their bikes and run.