DETAILS of the 2016 Otley Sportive have been announced.

This year's event, the sixth for the big annual cycle ride, takes place on September 11.

Organisers True Cycling are keeping the same, 72-mile circular route that has proved so popular during the past two years.

The full-length ride will involve 6,000ft of climbing, including on Greenhow Hill.

Heading out from Otley, riders will go to Almscliff Cragg and then pass through Beckwithshaw, Ripley and on to Masham.

They will head back to Pateley Bridge and then proceed up to Appletreewick, Bolton Bridge and back to Otley.

The sportive will also include a shorter, medium route, too, with all participants setting off from the grounds of Old Otliensians Rugby Club in Pool Road.

Organiser, Luke Minshall, said: "This year we're introducing timing to our events, so riders can see how quickly they complete the course.

"We've kept the route the same as the past two years as the feedback we have had has proven that our route is one of the best we have created, and we want to keep it as our standard route.

"Our medium route takes on 3,500ft of climbing, heading out on the same route as the long ride to Ripley before heading over to Sawley until getting to Greenhow Village, then coming back to Appletreewick, Bolton Bridge and Otley.

"Upon finishing, the event riders can return back to the rugby club for tea, coffee, cake and a barbecue.

"The bar will also be open for those who wish to finish with an alcoholic beverage."

The sportive is designed as a way for cyclists of varying abilities to enjoy a social, but challenging, ride.

Visit the events section of true-cycling.com for details about how to enter this year's ride.