Ilkley and Otley: The towns built around cycling

BBC News

11 hours ago

A record number of cyclists are expected to take to Ilkley town centre later as the streets are transformed into a cycling circuit. With the Ilkley Cycle Races taking place just two days after the Otley Cycle Races, the BBC has been asking what the events mean to the communities."It brings the whole town together," organiser Tom Harris says.After watching as a teenager, Mr Harris now helps to run the Ilkley Cycle Races, which return to the town for an 11th year."Everything is just incredible - the atmosphere, there is something for everyone," he says.First promoted to celebrate the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2014, the Ilkley Cycle Races are now "firmly established on sporting and social calendars", according to British Cycling."We have been absolutely blown away, from year one, by the community response," Mr Harris says.
While Ilkley's 1.5km route is slightly more compact than Otley's 2.3km lap, it has higher elevation.Riders in Ilkley will climb 105ft (32m) on each lap while Otley's riders climb 75ft (23m).
Lining both routes are pop-up stalls creating a festival-like atmosphere in the towns."It is wonderful for the local community and as a local business it is wonderful to be a part of; it brings the whole town together," says Colin Hambleton, co-owner of La Stazione.The cafe is a popular spot for cyclists riding through Ilkley and this year the owners will return to the track for a third year with a spritz bar."It is something a bit different that is just raising Ilkley's profile across the local area and beyond," says Mr Hambleton."It is just really lovely to get involved with."
On Wednesday night, calls of "allez allez allez" and the clangs of cowbells could be heard as crowds lined the streets of Otley."The vibe is amazing," says Gail Harrison, a server at Uncle Joe's fish and chips."Everybody is so happy and jolly so it is really, really good."The chippy on Bondgate is directly behind the finish line of the race.For one night only, the opening hours are extended and the national dish of the UK is served until late."For small businesses it does impact us greatly, we are looking at a closure of around midnight but it is well worth it," Ms Harrison says.
Also among the businesses to benefit was the Otley Taphouse.Owner Joe Scholey runs the Otley Burger Company from the bar, and set up a food truck alongside the track."Trade triples," he told the BBC."The pubs are full, on the cycle route they are absolutely rammed, it is a good laugh for everyone," he says.
Bellowing above the whoops and cheers of the crowds, Otley Bellman Terry Ford opened the race on Wednesday.In his proclamation, he boomed: "This is a town built around cycling!"According to British Cycling, Otley Cycle Races is one of the most prestigious in the calendar.It is also one of the longest-running crit races in the country, transforming the centre of the town into a circuit annually since 1985."If you look around the crowds it is busier than it ever has been at New Year," Mr Ford told the BBC."Otley Cycle Races are well known as a party with a bike race in its centre."It will bring in thousands upon thousands of pounds of revenue which is wonderful."
Both Ilkley and Otley's cycle races attract junior competitors and seasoned cyclists alike.Ilkley's lap record is currently held by Leeds-based Tom Pidcock, who won Otley Cycle Races in 2015.Among the crowds craning for a glimpse of the some of the UK's top cyclists in Otley was James Davis.Accompanied by his toddler, the 41-year-old told the BBC he had finished work early to catch the build-up."We have been the last couple of years, as [my son] is growing up he is certainly getting more into his bikes."I was explaining to [my son] that he might see some famous people."We are really lucky actually, just seeing the town busy is nice."
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