A PROFESSIONAL-style cycle racing event will be wowing the crowds in Okehampton on June 21 as part of the Millennium Festival of Cycling.
The town centre will become a racing circuit offering residents a chance to watch at first hand speed cycling at its best.
Okehampton Cycle Club has been working with the Chamber of Trade, Okehampton OK and Devon County Council to put on the event which is attracting cyclists from all over the South West.
The evening race will follow a civic reception for those taking part in the 'Cyclethon' event , billed as 'the longest ride on the longest day' and which ends in Okehampton.
The entire National Cycle Network will be travelled simultaneously as a celebration of this festival of cycling and Okehampton being the main local hub on this network will be a focus for the celebrations.
Entertainment will include live music and there will be a ceremonial unveiling of a milepost in Fairplace Square for the cycle route.
Up to 40 cyclists will be involved in the closed circuit race and road closures will be in place similar to those on carnival night.
The race, starting and finishing in Fore Street, will be subject to British Cycle Federation regulations. To help spectators follow the event their will be a running commentary delivered through a PA system.
Secretary of Okehampton Cycle Club Darren Bostock said the hour-and-a-quarter long race would consist of about 36 laps around the circuit which took in Mill Road, George Street, East Street and Fore Street.
'People will be able to see it from their windows and gardens but we want them to line the route,' he said. 'This is a brilliant spectator event and there will be races within races to keep the interest high.
'There will be 8 to 10 members from the Okehampton club taking part and some from Tavistock but they are also coming from as far as Bristol.'
Darren said Okehampton was a great place for cycling and this event would hopefully raise the profile of the town as a destination for cycling holidays and cycle racing.
Activities will continue on June 24 when a cycle fun day takes place in Simmons Park for the whole family. A treasure hunt, speed challenges, cycling for health and fitness advice and bike handling skills are some of the things on offer as well as off-road fun rides.
'Okehampton Cycle Club has been very successful on the race circuits this year but we also want to emphasis the leisure section of the club,' added Darren. 'Hopefully, these events will encourage more people to take it up.'