the town has seen a number of high-profile international cycle races pass through. the steep climb up to the cow and calf rocks at the edge of ilkley moor is normally the reason for the races to visit as it presents a short but challenging climb. for three consecutive years between 1994 and 1996, the climb was used as part of the leeds classic, which was part of the world cup series of events. in both 2005 and 2007, the town hosted stages of the tour of britain race, with ilkley moor being a categorised climb on each occasion.