13th edition of the Ryedale Grand Prix takes place today

Ampleforth Abbey once again plays host to Britain's top home-based cyclists today (6th August 2017)

The thirteenth edition of the Ryedale Grand Prix takes to the rolling twisting lanes that pass through the stunning grounds of the Abbey.

Following its now traditional format the day starts at 9.30am with the Women's Grand Prix that hosts the finale of the season long British Cycling HSBC Women's Series.

It will see a different winner in 2017 however with Nicola Juniper, the winner for the last two years, not defending her title. With an eighty-rider field, the race is wide open, on paper the WNT Team would appear to be the strongest with Hayley Simmonds the former National Time Trial Champion on top form.

Now a Great Britain international in road racing she sports a recent stage win and leaders jersey from the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour in Germany.

Other contenders from the top of the Series standings could be Elizabeth Banks of Storey Racing and Laura Massey who scored a recent stage win in the tough Tour of the Reservoir, but rides this event without the support of the rest of her Drops Racing Team.

The 58-mile race isn't the longest in the Series but it's most definitely one of the toughest and the strongest rider is likely to prevail.

2.00pm sees the men taking to the roads, 94 miles and 120 riders for this one. The Ryedale Men's Grand Prix is a counting round of the British Cycling HSBC Grand Prix Series. Using the same two circuits that start with a large loop through Ampleforth, Oulston, Yearsley and Gilling before passing through the Abbey to complete the lap. After three laps the13.7-mile loop shortens to one of 9.7 miles with the climb through the Abbey grounds now arriving more often and the grippy roads taking their toll. The previous twelve editions of the race have yet to feature a bunch sprint for the win and the thirteenth is likely to continue the trend.

The rider with number one on his back is Ian Bibby of Team JLT Condor and he will be aiming to make it three in a row as winner in 2015 and 2016. He comes into the race in top form and is sure to feature strongly. Hoping to maintain challenge Bibby as well as maintaining his lead in this year's race series will be Madison Genesis rider Jonathon McEvoy. With the top of both the individual and team overall standings being closely contested, the race is likely to be a hard-fought tactical battle. The outcome is still likely to be a worthy winner as the closing stages are played out on the strength sapping climb to the finish.

The event is once again promoted by British Cycling's Yorkshire Region, with British Cycling's President Bob Howden organising the races. Sponsorship comes from long standing sponsor, Yorkshire based Grass Concrete Limited, featuring their World paving brand Grasscrete. Sitting alongside them Ryedale District Council continue to support the event that bears their name.
As part of a continuing commitment to developing women's racing both races will once again feature equal prize money for the Women's and Men's Grand Prix.

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