THE Dolphin Shopping Centre is sponsoring the World Team Cycle Speedway Cup on its return to Poole this year.

It is the first time that the event has been held in Poole for 20 years and to celebrate the sponsorship, the centre is celebrating by holding a Poole Cycle Speedway-themed event on Saturday, July 18, from 8.30am to 6pm.

Shoppers will have the chance to meet some of the riders from the Poole team and learn more about the history of the sport. Staff from Everyone Active will also be bringing along two static bikes to the shopping centre for visitors to have a go at speed trial cycle.

John Grinnell, manager of the Dolphin Centre, said: "Poole has become known locally and internationally for the success of its cycle speedway and we’re thrilled to be associated with the prestigious 2015 World Cup."

Riders from around the world will be heading to Poole for the four-day competition which takes place at Baiter Harbourside Park, off Catalina Drive from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2.

The Cycle Speedway World Cup takes place every two years and will see five world-class riders compete in teams for their respective countries including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Poland and Australia.

Poole’s two-time British Champion, Gavin Wheeler, will be lining up for England alongside 2013 British under-16 champion and regular Poole first team rider, Aaron Smith, the son of former Poole Pirates speedway rider Kevin Smith.

For more information on the Cycle Speedway World Cup, go to Poolecsc.com