THREE races in the Scottish Cycling Championships will be held at Inverkeithing Highland Games this summer.

It's been chosen to host the youths' 800 metres contest as well as two senior events, the 4,800m and 6,400m, on Saturday, August 4.

The news is a major coup for Inverkeithing, where the 400m red blaes track at Ballast Bank is considered one of the favourite venues for track cyclists.

Craig Hardie, of Hardie Bikes in Cairneyhill and a past championship winner, said: “It is great that more cycling events are being added to Inverkeithing Highland Games, which always produces exciting racing for spectators every year.

"It was always great to race there as it was a home game for me, being from Dalgety Bay."

Most Highland Games are held on grass surfaces which, although traditional, do not allow cyclists to build up the speed which make these events more competitive and create a real spectacle for the crowds.

Local councillor Alice McGarry said that work to upgrade the track was expected to take place in plenty of time for the Games.

John Woodrow, managing director of Sandy Wallace Cycles in Inverkeithing, said: "It is always great to hear when a prestigious event is awarded locally and I am sure this will draw more competitors and visitors to an already successful Games.

"I am sure this is just reward for all the time and effort the organisers and helpers have devoted over the years."

The Scottish Highland Games Association selected Inverkeithing for the races and secretary Ian Grieve said: “I look forward to the additional youth and adult cycle championships at Inverkeithing Highland Games.

"This will supplement the existing handicap events and I hope that it will be well supported.

"A good turnout of cyclists will make for an exciting afternoon of cycling on a very fast, and the only red blaes, track on the Highland Games circuit."

Inverkeithing Highland Games first appeared in the local Burgh records of 1652 and this year's chieftain, Cath Chorley, said: “It is a popular date in many people’s calendars and having new cycle championship races is a very exciting development which adds to the richness and diversity of all the events on the day."