Preparations are underway for a youth cycling competition in Carlisle.
The opening round of the 2025 North West Youth League is set to take place this Saturday, March 22, at Carlisle’s Cycle Circuit in Harraby.
The league, which is held at various cycle circuits across the North West of England, is open to cyclists aged up to 16.
Young cyclists from different age groups will compete in six races throughout the day.
For the first time, there will also be a race for adult riders.
Members of cycling clubs from Scotland, North Wales, and across the North of England will participate, along with several riders travelling from the Isle of Man.
With more than 160 cyclists entered across the seven races, Saturday’s event is one of the largest ever to be held at the circuit.
The event is being organised and hosted by Carlisle Cycling Association (CCA).
Formed in 2018 with the primary purpose of promoting cycling across North and West Cumbria, CCA is made up of nine cycling clubs from across the area and is based at Carlisle’s Cycle Circuit.
Fiona Graham, CCA club secretary, said: "CCA has worked hard to build a reputation for running friendly and high-quality races for amateur cyclists and we are excited to welcome so many riders and hope that they enjoy not only the excellent Cycle Circuit but also the city and surroundings as many of our visitors will be spending the weekend in the area.
"Entries are now closed for the races but if anyone is interested in joining future events you are very welcome to come down to the Cycle Circuit on Saturday to see what it's all about and find out more about the Association."
Opened in 2018, the cycle circuit, located on Edgehill Road in Harraby, is part of Harraby Sports Campus.
The circuit is a 1km long and 6m wide traffic-free loop and is the only facility of its type in Cumbria, the nearest being located in Lancaster and Middlesbrough.
Within the circuit, there are a number of different routes that can be taken to create shorter laps, which are often used for children's races.
As well as organising competitive race events, the circuit is also used for coaching sessions by the Carlisle Cycling Association throughout the winter months for both adults and children.
The design of the circuit makes it an ideal training base due to the number of different routes that can be taken and the fact that the whole circuit is easily visible.
The circuit is also available for public use during the day, when not pre-booked for an event or activity.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "I congratulate Carlisle Cycling Association for hosting another fantastic event at the cycle circuit.
"I am delighted that such an event is being held within Cumberland and I wish all competitors the best of luck for their events on Saturday.
"They say you never forget how to ride a bike and with the youngest entrant at Saturday’s event being just 4 years old and the oldest is 54, this certainly seems to be the case."
Racing is scheduled to begin at 9.30am on Saturday, starting with the under 8s event, with the final race of the day, for adults, beginning at around 2.45pm.
