RYEDALE is gearing up for the return of the Mountain Bike World Cup following the success of last year’s event.

The second round of the race, which was recently recognised as the best cross country round of 2010, will be held at Dalby Forest over the weekend of May 20-22.

In preparation for the event, which is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Ryedale, British Cycling has launched the official event website and with it, more detail about all the elements that make this the biggest date on the British Cross Country Mountain Biking calendar.

Phil Long, Ryedale District Council’s head of environment, said: “I’m delighted that last year’s event, bolstered by the phenomenal success of the Pickering pro-sprint eliminator, has received such an accolade.

“Dalby Forest is now firmly placed on the world stage as an area of international repute for mountain biking excellence.”

Crowds of people are expected in Pickering for the return of urban- style street racing in the pro-sprint eliminator which starts the action on the Friday night before the weekend culminates on Sunday with the main showdown – the elite rounds of the world cup.

Saturday once again sees the junior competition in the forest, while for the first time the under 23 men will compete separately from the elites on the Saturday.

There is also the chance to ride Dalby Dare, a mass participation ride across sections of the award-winning world cup course. Riders who enter the Dalby Dare get a weekend ticket to the whole world cup for free. Dixons Dare, a race for the younger generation, also takes place as a prelude to the racing on Saturday.

British Cycling’s Cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay is hoping to build on the success of the 2010 inaugural event.

He said: “We’re delighted to be once again taking the mountain bike world cup to Yorkshire. The racing is only one aspect of what will be both a thrilling and entertaining few days.”

For more information visit www.mtbworldcup.co.uk