ELITE cycling is making a return to Dawlish.

The town is again playing host to British Cycling’s Lloyds National Circuit Series.

Hosted in partnership with the South West Road Race Workgroup and Dawlish Town Council, this high-intensity event will see national-level riders battling for crucial series points.

The event is a major coup for the town council to be chosen for the second year.

The Dawlish Grand Prix will be series five races with the best riders in the country who will have to manage their balance strategy to navigate the twists and turns the Dawlish circuit offers, maintain their speed and endurance of this technical circuit.

Race day is Friday July 17 and this year’s programme is shorter with races at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

This means there will not be the need for road closures before 5pm.

However, The Strand will be shut from 3pm and there will be no parking in streets around the Lawn all day.

Last year’s event caused some traffic chaos due to road closures and restrictions in the town centre and there was criticism of arrangements for the closures and traffic diversions.

This year organisers have made a number of pleas to local residents.

They should follow the official diversion route set out by Chevron Traffic Management.

A spokesman said; ‘Do not use the back lanes. They will be busy and you may get stuck.’

Secondly, no parking on the race circuit on the day.

The organisers added: ‘We will have no choice but to barrier your vehicle in.

‘All car parks are open on the day excluding The Strand and Dawlish Station car parks.

‘Verbal abuse will not be tolerated.’

The organisers say the restrictions and staff are ‘there for your safety’.

Any incidents of abuse will be recorded and reported to police.

This year Dawlish is race five in the series, resulting in a continuing jostle to be in the best position going into the second half of the series.

During the day there will be a Well Being area on The Lawn behind the Bandstand featuring local groups and businesses promoting activity and healthy living.

A spokesman said: ‘With the atmosphere set to be electric, this round sets the scene for the second half of the series and guarantees drama, spectacle, and an unforgettable night of racing.

‘Get ready for an evening of non-stop action as the racing kicks off in style.’

From noon until 4pm, the well being market will be in the back Lawn.

Racing starts at 6pm with the Elite Women’s race at 7pm, followed by the Elite Open race at 8pm.

The award ceremony for the winners will be at 9pm.

As there will be predicted high traffic volume and road closures, organisers are strongly encouraging visitors to use Great Western Railway services to get to and from Dawlish.

They said: ‘This would be the fastest and easiest way to access the race venue.’