Thousands are expected to take part in a mass cycle ride along the route of the first ever Tour de Yorkshire. The Tour de Yorkshire Ride will give cyclists the chance to ride the route just hours before the pros race.
The Tour de Yorkshire is a new UCI (International Cycling Union) approved international cycle race which will be held for the first time from 1-3 May 2015. It is expected to attract high profile cyclists and top international teams.
Three distance options are available for the sportive, with riders able to choose from 50km, 100km or 140km routes. A women-only Cycletta sportive will also take place along the 50km route. Each of the carefully designed routes will feature much of the Tour de Yorkshire route with a number of challenging climbs and spectacular Yorkshire views.
Thousands of people are expected to line some parts of the route offering some legendary Yorkshire support, and timings will be available online giving sportive riders the chance to compare their climb times to the pros.
The event is being supported by five-time Tour de France winner, Bernard Hinault, who will be giving sportive riders tips. Participants in the sportive will cross the same finish line as the pro riders and a winners’ ceremonies will take place on the Tour de Yorkshire podium.
Nick Rusling, chief executive of Human Race, the organisation delivering the event with partners ASO and Welcome to Yorkshire, said;
“We have the ability to deliver something unique for thousands of cyclists on 3rd May by combining the aura of the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France legacy in combination with the hospitality and stunning roads of Yorkshire. For sportive riders of all abilities – this will be an experience you won’t forget.”
The sportive will be held on the final day of the Tour de Yorkshire, Sunday 3rd May just hours before the pro race starts. After leaving Roundhay Park in Leeds those taking on the 140km long route will climb Pool Bank and head towards Sowerby Bridge. They will join the pro route at Mytholmroyd and up the 2014 Tour de France King of the Mountains Côte De Oxenhope Moor, which will be taken in the opposite direction, a real test of stamina with over 6.7 kilometres of near continuous climbing. Shortly after riders will travel through the quaint village of Haworth and over the cobble stones, one of the most iconic images of the Tour de France Grand Départ.
Riders will climb 150 metres from Laycock to Sutton-in-Craven, before reaching the villages of Addingham and Ilkley. Riders on the long and medium routes will take on the Cow and Calf Climb, before the East Chevin Climb, after which cyclists will need all their remaining energy to climb the short but very steep Black Hill Road. The Tour de Yorkshire Ride culminates back at Roundhay Park where cyclists will be presented with their medal.
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said;
“This is such an exciting opportunity for Yorkshire. The Tour de Yorkshire is all about growing the visitor economy and this event, with thousands taking part from all over the UK and overseas, will bring even more people to visit our county.”
Demand for places in the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire Ride is expected to be extremely high and people are encouraged to pre-register at letouryorkshire.com/sportive Entries will officially open on 4 February.