Where to see the Tour De Yorkshire

The tour, which takes place between Friday, April 29 and Sunday, May 1, will take riders through Kellingley, Knottingley, Pontefract and North and South Elmsall.

And thousands of spectators are expected to line the route to catch a glimpse of the competitors taking part.

Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box said: “We know from last year’s Tour de Yorkshire that it is a fantastic spectacle to watch so it is very exciting we have another opportunity to enjoy the race in the district. Let’s give the riders a great welcome once again.”

Stage one of the three day men’s race kicks off in Beverley on the Friday morning. Riders will complete a 186km route from Beverley to Settle, passing through Tadcaster, Knaresborough and Grassington.

Day two of the race on April 30 will bring the men into the district en route from Otley - the home of women’s road world champion Lizzie Armistead - to Doncaster. And female competitors will complete the same 135km route for their day-long race, which takes place earlier in the day.

The last leg of the event begins in Middlesbrough on the Sunday. Cyclists will follow a 198km route to Scarborough, passing through Thirsk and Whitby.

The tour, organised by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), with support from British Cycling and local authorities, will be televised live in the UK and across Europe.

Timings for the tour can be found at www.letour.yorkshire.com/timings