The penultimate round of British Cycling Women’s Road Series takes to the streets of Otley on Wednesday, with race leader Nikki Juniper holding a commanding position at the head of the table.
The criterium race will see the riders compete over 15 laps of the West Yorkshire town from 6.45pm, home to road world champion Lizzie Armitstead.
Ones to watch
The popular event will entice large crowds to see the uncatchable leader Juniper and the race for second place between Alice Cobb and Grace Garner, who will return to the series after riding in the Women’s Tour last week.
Three series victories so far this season means that Juniper has an unassailable 103-point lead over her nearest rival.
The 34-year-old has excelled across the disciplines over the course of the series and should have no problem with the Otley circuit, having finished in third place there last year.
Cobb, of Matrix Fitness PB Corley Cycles, climbed to second in the series standings after another excellent performance over the Ryals.
Only two points behind Cobb, Podium Ambition rider Garner is poised to challenge for the win in Otley after showcasing her talent for criterium riding in the Essex Giro.
The course
Described by Fortuneo-Vital Concept rider Dan McLay as having ‘the best last corner in cycling’, the Otley Grand Prix has been a fixture in the town for 31 years.
2016 will mark the fourth appearance for the race in the British Cycling Women’s Road Series, with previous winners including local girl Lizzie Armitstead.
The 31.5km race takes place over 15 laps through Otley’s town centre, giving local fans plenty of chances to cheer on their favourites.
How to follow the race
- A report and gallery will appear on the British Cycling website.
- Follow @BritishCycling on Twitter for updates
- Get down to the roadside to show your support
