THOUSANDS of cycle enthusiasts got on their bikes at the weekend as they descended on York Racecourse for an annual cycling show.

The 65th York Cycle Show, the biggest of its kind in the country, attracted more than 10,000 cyclists to the city.

The showcase – the climax of National Bike Week – had mountain bike stunt shows, arena displays and exhibitions, and a young riders’ challenge.

Paul Hepworth, chairman of the York Cycle Show committee, said: “The weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm on Saturday and it was glorious sunshine on Sunday.

“We enjoyed large crowds – with about 10,000 people passing through in total – including a visit from the civic party.”

The event coincided with the launch of one of the most prestigious events in world cycling.

The Yorkshire leg of the Tour Of Britain race was officially launched at the racecourse on Saturday.

The first leg of the race – on September 12 – will start in Lincolnshire and finish in York – and is expected to attract up to 25,000 spectators to the city.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the Tour Of Britain to York and it is a fantastic coup for us to host a part of this prestigious sporting event, providing an ideal opportunity to promote York and Yorkshire on a global stage.”

The weekend culminated in a grand parade of about 1,000 riders biking through the city centre.