SIMON Wilson hopes to make a timely return to form in the Colne Grand Prix tonight.

The Padiham star will be one of three East Lancashire riders on the start line when the action gets under way in round three of the Eltie Circuit Series tonight alongside Barnoldswick’s Ian Wilkinson, riding for Team Raleigh, and Wilson’s team-mate Sam Boast from Colne.

And Wheelbase Altura rider Wilson believes he can aim for a top 10 finish on his home circuit.

He said: “I was in good form early in the season but since then I have suffered a little with injuries and illness but I think I am coming back to some kind of form now and hopefully I can have a good ride at Colne.”

Wilson also believes he will have the chance to ride for overall honours rather than in a supporting role.

He added: “We have Adam Duggleby who is going well but hopefully I will be able to ride for myself and get towards the top 10.

“It is one of my favourite circuits and it is a good circuit for me. It flows well and it is one I definitely prefer doing.

“I have done it several times now and think I came seventh one year so hopefully I can perform well again.”

Boast is also set to play a role in Wheelbase’s strategy with the young rider living close to the race route.

“I think he lives just off the circuit so I am sure he will want to do well,” said Wilson of his team-mate.

The 800m street circuit is a fast paced lap with hundreds of spectators expecting to line the course.

And with the Tour de France currently in progress and having started in neighbouring Yorkshire 10 days ago, there is hope that the event could see a record number of spectators.

Wilson added: “There should be a good crowd out. It is always a well supported event and the Tour de France will hopefully in spite a few more people to come out and watch.”

Meanwhile, Wilkinson will also be hoping to impress having recovered from the illness which kept him out of the early part of the season.

That forced him to miss almost all of the Tour Series although the Team Raleigh rider, who excels in criterium races, has show signs of a return to form having collected 10 points in the series so far.

The main race begins tonight at 8pm and is part of the six-round national series that awards points for the top 30 finishers towards an overall victory.

* Don’t miss your special race report and all the pictures in tomorrow’s Lancashire Telegraph.