ELITE mountain bikers have been gearing up for an international biking competition staged in Ryedale this weekend.

The second round of the UCI Cross Country Mountain Bike World Cup is being held in Dalby Forest.

The event, being staged in the 3,440-hectare beauty spot, began with a road race through the streets of Pickering last night.

Crowds of people are expected in Pickering today when the junior competition is run in the forest, while for the first time the Under-23 Men’s race will be run separately from the Elites tomorrow.

Dixon’s Dare, a race for younger riders, also takes place as a prelude to the racing tomorrow. Last year teams from across the globe rated Dalby as the top World Cup venue on the international circuit.

Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director, 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.”

Alan Eves, forest management director, said last year 11,000 fans watched the action and he hoped for similar numbers this year.

For more information, visit mtbworldcup.co.uk