Le Tour Yorkshire

Le Tour de Yorkshire

Coming this year to the glorious Yorkshire area, the Tour de Yorkshire is a mini Tour de France right here in Britain. For the first time ever, the three stage race will run along the coast, past many of the nations favourite towns and cities along the way.

The first stage will begin in the seaside village of Bridlington. From there, the race follows the coast for nearly 174km to finally arrive at Scarborough at the end of the day. The scenery out to the east should provide great motivation for the athletes as they gaze out to sea on the first leg of their journey.

The second stage begins the next day at the daunting and grandiose Selby Abbey. This leg is also 174km long and takes a much more inland route. It traverses the Yorkshire Wolds, and takes the cyclists through places such as Malton, Stamford and Beverley. York is the days destination, where there will also be held a women's event on a circuit to promote women in cycling and encourage more females to take up the sport.

The third stage is the shortest but by no means the easiest in the race. At 167km, it pales in comparison to the distance of the other two stages, but picks up last years' Tour de France Grande Depart route. Only this time, they will be riding it in reverse, crossing the idyllic Cragg Vales before plunging down into Leeds to the finish line at Roundhay Park.

If you are travelling in a group and bringing family and friends that don’t want to watch the race, Yorkshire offers plenty of attractions and activities.