Addleshaw Goddard is providing advice to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships in return for sponsorship at the event.

The mandate, which came as a result of a "proactive approach" by Addleshaws, will see the international firm's sports business group, led by partner James Whittaker, act as the "official lawyer" to the cycling championships, which will take place in Harrogate in September, the firm announced.

The appointment was negotiated by Addleshaw Goddard partner and head of employment, Michael Leftley, and will see Addleshaws receive sponsorship and other benefits.

It is not the first time Addleshaws has agreed such an arrangement. The firm was a legal adviser for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in a similar agreement consisting of sponsorship, advertising, hospitality and ticketing benefits arrangements in return, the firm said.

The law firm currently represents a number of sports governing bodies, clubs, sponsors and broadcasters, including The Football League and FIFA.

The Road World Championships, which are being held in the UK for the first time since 1982, have previously reached a global audience of more than 250 million. This year's races, which take place in Yorkshire on September 22-29, will see 1,500 riders from 90 countries competing for the coveted rainbow jerseys. Recent winners include Bradley Wiggins in the time trial, and Mark Cavendish and Lizzie Deignan in the road race.