Some of the best race riders in the country will compete in Otley on Thursday as the annual Town Centre Circuit Races are staged as part of the National Elite Circuit Series.

Keighley’s Tom Barras is the best-placed local rider heading into the 50-kilometre event, lying eighth in the series with 82 points.

This follows strong performances in the last two rounds at Brentwood in London and Brighouse, where he finished fifth and seventh respectively.

The Plowman Craven rider could in theory jump into the top three with victory on Thursday but he will need to be at his best if he is to cross the line ahead of a quality line-up.

As well as a full field of domestic-based riders from all the main teams, the Otley event has attracted entries from continental-based professionals Bradley Wiggins and Jeremy Hunt as they prepare for next weekend’s National Road Race Championship.

Other local riders aiming to make an impact in the elite race include Mark Thwaites, the Sports Beans-Wilier rider from Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The elite race begins at 8.30pm but the action starts at 7pm with a supporting senior race, which will include many more local riders. The youth race is flagged off at 8pm.

Meanwhile, VC Bradford are celebrating successes for several of their riders after good performances in the last week.

Stewart Towers finished the Dragon Sportive Ride in South Wales at his first attempt, the 58-year-old clocking 7hr 35min for the 180-kilometre ride.

Paul Corcoran won last week’s Kildwick ten-mile time trial with an impressive time of 22min 51sec.