THE new organiser of the Otley Cycle Races is promising another great night of top action next Wednesday evening on the streets of the market town.

The tight and testing road-race circuit produces thrilling racing and has attracted crowds of up to 20,000 in recent years.

There will be six races in all with the highlight being the Elite Men’s Race which brings down the curtain on the night’s events.

One new innovation to improve the spectator experience is to improve the public address system.

It means more people watching around the course will be able to hear the race commentary which will keep them well informed.

Race organiser Nigel Bishop said: “I’m leading the organising team for the first time this year and we’re looking forward to building on the excitement, success and reputation Otley Cycle Races has generated over 30 years.

“The massive crowds on Bondgate now spread to other vantage points around the circuit, so we hope to bring the race updates from British Cycling’s experts to more people than ever before by extending the PA system up Burras Lane.

“We’re all looking forward to a brilliant night of racing, and the special Otley atmosphere that the town and its residents conjure up each year. It is something special.

“As ever, the Town Council and Otley Cycle Club are key partners. I’m grateful to them and to all our race sponsors for their support.”

Bishop will be assisted by his wife Mandy who won the World Road Championships in 1983.

Riding under her maiden name of as Mandy Jones, she won a thrilling and unexpected victory around the Goodwood circuit in Sussex in what was a very different era for women’s cycling,