WHEELS are in motion for the second annual York Cycling City Races.

Clifton Cycling Club are organising the city centre event, which will see top riders battling it out over a closed course with York Minster as the backdrop on Sunday, August 21.

The course includes Blake Street, St Sampson’s Square and Goodramgate, before sweeping past the Minster to complete a lap at Duncombe Place.

Events will begin at 5pm with the Brompton Team Challenge for folding bikes.

The Challenge is being organised by Andy Fraser of York Cycleworks and entries can be made by emailing fraz@yorkcycleworks.com

That will be followed by a youth race and a race for club cyclists, including members of host club Clifton CC.

The hour-long Elite race follows at 7pm and there will be a final prize ceremony at 8.15pm.

At 8.30pm, York City Screen will be showing Vittorio De Sica’s 1948 film The Bicycle Thieves.

A spokesman for Clifton CC said: “The day will provide racing for cycling enthusiasts, local riders, and will be a fantastic spectacle for everyone who wants to watch.

“Clifton Cycling Club will be on hand to answer questions and encourage anyone who wants to get into this ever-growing sport.”

For more information on the races, visit the website http://www.cliftoncc.org/ competition/cycling_city_races or http://www.britishcycling.org.uk