THE FIRST Tour de Yorkshire cycle race is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors as it rides the legacy created by this summer'sTour de France Grand Depart.

The start and finish lines have been announced – with York, Scarborough, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and Bridlington picked to host part of the Union Cycliste Internationale-approved 2.1 three day event from May 1 to 3.

Organisers Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), and sponsors British Cycling hope to also benefit from the big names of international cycling to the event, which is hoped to become the top cycle race in the UK.

Graham Poucher from Welcome to Yorkshire said: “To get a 2.1 classification is amazing – it is the second highest ranking for a multi-day event – and we have already had a lot of interest from professional teams and cycling stars.

“While it may not attract the crowds the Grand Depart did - I don’t think anything could ever top that - but I’m sure we will see crowds of 750,000 upwards.”

He said the race would be an annual event which will visit different parts of Yorkshire each year – but that popular climbs and sprints featured in the Grand Depart could be revisited in the future.

The Tour de Yorkshire will be broadcast live on national TV and throughout Europe and full route details will be revealed on January 21, on the 100 days to go to the race.

Director of the Tour de France at ASO, Christian Prudhomme, said: “I am delighted we are returning to Yorkshire where we saw the grandest ever Grand Départ for the Tour de France.

“It is clear the people of Yorkshire are passionate about cycling and we can’t wait to bring them this new race.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is another huge milestone for Yorkshire as we position the county as the cycling heartland of Europe.

“This is the first ever Tour de Yorkshire, I am confident it will become a huge annual event and something that will raise Yorkshire’s profile year on year.”

The deputy leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Carl Les, added: “There is no doubt the Tour de France was a huge boost for North Yorkshire and we’re keen to support this new race, which will further strengthen the region’s economy.

“After the dales benefited directly from the Tour de France, we’re particularly pleased to welcome the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire to North Yorkshire’s beautiful east coast and moors.”

A mass sportive with several distances where people can ride the same route as the professionals will be held on day three.

To apply to enter the sportive, visit the Tour de Yorkshire website to enjoy a privileged entry fee at www.letouryorkshire.com.