Skipton’s spectacular town centre cycling races are set to go ahead again in 2017 after Skipton BID agreed to fund the event and Yorkshire Housing signed up as headline sponsor.

Craven District Council launched the races in 2015 and they were such a success that British Cycling decided to include the event as part of their prestigious Elite Criterium Series in 2016 and again this year – meaning it will be televised.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday July 5 and is expected to attract thousands to Skipton High Street.

Geraldine Thompson, director of Skipton BID, said: “Skipton BID is thrilled to support the Yorkshire Housing Skipton Cycle Races.

“This exciting event has attracted thousands of people to Skipton town centre in the last two years, and is now televised which also showcases the town.

“Skipton BID supports a range of events in the town, such as Skipton Waterway Festival, Sheep Day and the Christmas Markets, and local businesses directly benefit from the extra visitors generated by these events. We look forward to being a part of Skipton Cycle Races, another event which contributes to our great town’s vibrancy and appeal.”

Yorkshire Housing Chief Executive, Mervyn Jones, said: ‘’Yorkshire Housing is pleased to support the Skipton Cycle Races; many of our customers live in this area and we’re looking forward to meeting members of the community at our stand at the event.

“We know that many people in the region are priced out the housing market in their local communities. We have committed to providing 3,000 new homes across the region over the next three years to give more people the opportunity to live in a quality home they can afford.”

Sharon Hudson, Craven District Council’s Partnerships & Communications Manager, said: “We’re delighted that Skipton Bid and Yorkshire Housing have decided to come on board and support Skipton Cycle Races this year.

“This was a great event in 2015 and 2016 which built on the legacy of the Tour de France in Craven, attracting thousands of spectators to Skipton town centre and encouraging young people to take part. The races are really exciting with cyclists reaching high speeds and really thrilling the crowds.

“The televised coverage gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase Craven businesses and the town itself. Together with the Tour de Yorkshire coming through Settle last year and Burnsall and Skipton this year, we are establishing Craven world-wide as a destination for cycling and tourism.”