TOP quality cycling action is set to return to West Somerset this weekend with the Minehead Grand Prix event.

Last year Minehead Cycling Club teamed up with Minehead Events Group and dozen’s of the town’s businesses to bring back town centre cycle racing after more than 20 years.

The Festival of Wheels attracted huge crowds to watch the exciting racing around the closed streets and brought a fantastic atmosphere to the town.

This year’s event, renamed the Minehead Grand Prix, takes place on Sunday, June 24, with various races between 10am and 5.30pm.

Race Director Paul Butcher expects more entries this year and is anticipating some spectacular racing.

He said: “With the event now a part of the Southwest Regional Championships, we already have great fields for the under 14’s and under 16’s who will be racing for vital points.

“Entries are well up for the senior races, too, and once again there’s a great entry from the local Merlins and club riders from the area. 

For anyone who would like to ride the course, there will be a mass participation community ride during a brief break in the action at 12.30pm. 

Minehead Cycling Club chairman Neil Arnold said: “We hope to see as many people on bikes as possible – families, young and old. We had 100 last year and I reckon we can double that.”

Timetable for Sunday, June 24
10am U8 Girls Race & U8 Boys (10mins)
10.30am U10 Girls Race and Boys Race (15mins)
11.05am Go-Race event (30mins) Local riders get the chance to try their hand at racing - many for the first time!
11.55am U12 Girls Race & Boys Race (20mins)
12.30pm Minehead Community Ride - A great opportunity for residents young and old to ride round and experience the circuit first hand.
1.05pm U14 Girls Race & U14 Boys Race (25mins)
1.50pm Mens 3/4 Race (40 mins) 
2.50pm U16 Girls Race & U16 Boys Race (30mins) 
3.40pm Womens E/1/2/3/4 Race (45mins) 
4.55pm MENS E/1/2/3 Race (1hr)

For more information visit mineheadgrandprix.co.uk.