British Cycling today announced that Hull will host the 2014 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships on Wednesday 9 July, just days after the Tour de France Grand Depart takes place in Great Britain.

The championships will see the men’s and women’s titles decided during an exciting evening of bike racing in the city.

As one of the highlights of the elite road racing calendar in Britain, the championships will be fiercely contested by the country’s top riders and teams as they fight for the honour of wearing the iconic red, white and blue national champions’ jerseys for the next year.

Many high profile riders have topped the podium at the British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships over the years including former road world champion Mark Cavendish and Olympic medallists Ed Clancy, Lizzie Armitstead, Joanna Rowsell and Dani King.

With the event happening in Yorkshire just days after the Tour de France Grand Depart, enthusiasm for cycling in the region is expected to be high and the racing is anticipated to draw huge crowds to the 1.1-kilometre city-centre circuit.

British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director, Jonny Clay, commented: “We are delighted to award the 2014 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships to the city of Hull. The championships will take place during a momentous week for British cycling and the Yorkshire region.

“Hull will provide a spectacular venue for these championships and the people of Hull will be treated to a great evening of entertainment as they witness the country’s best professional riders racing on their city’s streets.

“These championships are part of an exciting calendar of domestic racing we have in Britain and provide one of many opportunities for people enthused by the Tour de France Grand Depart to watch elite road racing in this country this summer.”

Councillor Terry Graghty, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “We are proud that British Cycling has chosen Hull as the venue for this prestigious race. It will be a unique opportunity to witness such high calibre athletes here in the city, and adds to the diverse sporting events taking place in Hull this summer.”

At the 2013 championships, Russell Downing (NetApp Endura) won the men’s race, with the 34-year-old Yorkshireman taking the title in a thrilling bunch sprint finish on the streets of York.

Hannah Barnes (MG Maxifuel Pro Cycling) took her third national title in the women’s race, coming out on top in a sprint for the line with her four breakaway rivals.

More information on the British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships.