Tour de Yorkshire to put Wakefield in spotlight
History will be made as the Tour de Yorkshire rolls in to the city for the first time.
The three-day race takes place from today until Sunday, May 3 and the final stage starts in Wakefield.
Sir Bradley Wiggins leads an all-star line-up of riders as he makes his debut for his very own team, Team Wiggins.
Marcel Kittel, who won the opening stage of the Tour de France in Harrogate last summer, returns to Yorkshire with his Giant-Alpecin squad.
And the city is ready to become a part of cycling history.
Wool and Stuff on Cross Square has decorated the final stage in blue and yellow wool - the race’s official colours.
The Fox and Hounds pub in Newmillerdam has brewed a cycling-themed ale for punters to enjoy while cheering on the riders.
And banners, bunting and other decorations have been popping up outside shops along the route.
Earlier this week hundreds of school children joined in the fun taking part in bike trials and races at Nostell Priory on Doncaster Road.
Wakefield Cathedral also got into the spirit of the race when a graffiti artist spray painted ‘Allez-Luia’ on the roof of the landmark.
Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity said: “You’re coming to see a piece of history.
“Bring the children and bring your grandchildren because they’ll remember that for the rest of their lives.”
You can’t escape the Wakefield connections to the race.
Team GB cyclist Oliver Wood, 19, is in the line up. He was raised in Wrenthorpe. And if he makes it onto the podium he will get a taste of the Wakefield district as Cryer and Stott are providing a trio of cheeses to the winners.
Follow our progress on @WakeExpress and please tweet us your own pictures and videos using #tourdeyorkshire.