ILKLEY’S love of cycling showed no signs of fading as hundreds of people turned out to cheer on this year’s Ilkley Cycle Races.

The four-category event, hosted by Ilkley Cycling Club, took in a 1.5km route around the town with the finish line situated in The Grove.

As part of its continued support of local community events and a drive to encourage more female cyclists in Yorkshire, local LPG supplier AvantiGas sponsored the Ilkley Women’s Race for the second year running, offering prize money and winners jerseys. With a 25 per cent increase in entrants, the event has been heralded an even greater triumph than last year’s race, held just four days before the Tour de France GRand Depart passed through town.

Thirty five women entered this year’s event, reflecting the massive growth of the sport among female cyclists.

The family-friendly event also included races for under-14s, under-16s and two men’s rides.

Stephanie Millward, chairman of Ilkley Cycling Club, which organised the event, said: “The people of Ilkley have done us proud again.

"Our decision to hold the race again following last year’s success was clearly the right one as the crowds were out in force.

“Support from AvantiGas is key to the event as we want to encourage more women to experience competitive cycling, and this year’s event was designed to attract up-and-coming racers to participate alongside experienced, elite competitors. It was a thrilling evening and a huge success again – thank you so much to everybody for their support.”

Dan Eadson, ofAvantiGas said: “We’re so proud to able to sponsor this fantastic event again. The spirit of the competitors and the support from the spectators is overwhelming.

“It is really important to us to get involved with the communities we serve, and supporting events like this mean we can really connect with local people. We’re hoping that the AvantiGas Women’s Race 2015 will have played its part in inspiring the next generation of Olympic cyclists.”

l See this week's sports pages for more coverage of the races.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Gazette and Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.