Hundreds of cyclists are to descend on Stirling at the weekend to take part in a closed road circuit around the city centre.

Stirling Bike Club's Crit Under The Castle race will take place on Sunday, June 19, with 400 riders set to take to the start line.

Reigning champions Evan Oliphant and Erika Allen will defend their Scottish National Criterium Champion titles, while this year's event also incorporates the Scottish Cycling National Youth Road Race Championships.

There will also be a Junior Circuit Race Champion title to recognise the increasing number of juniors taking part in the event.

Norrie Petrie, Crit Under The Castle event organiser said: "Crit Under The Castle is into its third year with this year seeing almost 400 entries.

"There is no doubt that cycle racing in Scotland is in a great place and we at Stirling Bike Club are delighted to be incorporating the National Youth Road Race and Senior Circuit Championships again this year.

"It is exceptionally encouraging to have such high entries into the Youth Races and, for the first time, the junior riders will be recognised and racing for the title of Junior Circuit Race Champion.

"Our event promotes equality and tries hard to encourage participation at every age category. Working with Stirling Council, Active Stirling, Scottish Cycling, Historic Scotland and our sponsors, Morrisons of Stirling, we anticipate an action-packed day in our historic city."

The start and race HQ will be on Albert Place, with the finish straight up the hill towards Stirling Castle Esplanade.