ONE of the South West’s biggest and most successful cycling events of last year returns to the centre of Minehead next weekend.

Promoted by Minehead Cycling Club and supported by Minehead Events Group and dozens of the town’s businesses, the Minehead Grand Prix will see town centre streets closed for a series of cycle races on Sunday June 24.

The event has been renamed from last year’s Festival of Wheels, which saw riders aged from six to 60 racing around the town centre for the first time for more than 20 years.

One of only two such events in the South West, the Minehead Grand Prix will include some of the best Elite and 1st Category riders from across the region.

And to encourage those new to the sport, a new GoRace event offers the chance for riders with little or no race experience to have a go.

Race Director Paul Butcher, of Minehead Cycling Club, expects more entries this year and is anticipating some spectacular racing.