A racing double bill this week could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Fife economy as Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront is showcased to thousands of visitors and to a national television audience of millions.
The eyes of the cycling world will focus on Kirkcaldy again when 10 top British cycling teams kick off their five-week battle to be crowned champions of the televised Pearl Izumi Tour Series.
Two-wheeled thrills and spills of a different kind will then continue on Saturday when the town’s beach becomes the venue for motorcycle races.
Last year the Tour Series and the Kirkcaldy Sands Races attracted an estimated 8,000 spectators between them, with millions watching the Tour Series on television.
It is anticipated greater awareness may bring even bigger crowds this time round and it is hoped that the spin-offs could attract more visitors to Kirkcaldy in future.
As well as the main race, which begins at 7pm, there will also be a packed programme of community events from noon. These include races involving school children and Fife Bike Club members, stalls along the High Street and demonstrations from 7 Stanes display team.
The High Street’s pedestrian zone will be closed to all traffic from 6am to 11.30pm on the day and parking will be suspended from 7am.
Meanwhile, the motorcycle racing at Kirkcaldy beach from 1pm on Saturday replicates the popular Beveridge Park races of the last century.
The annual Kirkcaldy Sand Races event was huge in the motor racing calendar from the late 1920s until 1948 when Kirkcaldy Motor Club started up the Grand Prix event.
Now it is back in the centre of town with around 6,000 people attending a demonstration event on the beach last year.