2018 Tour de Yorkshire route announced

The announcement was made at the Piece Hall in Halifax, where Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said:

"It was a proud moment unveiling the full route today. We’ve worked hard to design a dramatic and varied parcours which takes in some of our county’s most spectacular terrain.

"I’m sure the world’s best riders will relish the challenge it poses and we’ll be treated to a tremendous fourth edition.

"Last year’s race attracted 2.2 million spectators and generated £64 million for the local economy, and now that is has been extended from three to four days, the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire promises to be the biggest and best one yet.”

There was also confirmation that the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride, for 6,000 amateur cyclists, will start and end in Leeds on Sunday 6 May.

The Tour was launched in 2015 after being the stage for the 2014 Grand Depart.

STAGE ONE: 182km – ARTS AND CULTURE - BEVERLEY TO DONCASTER Thursday 3 May

STAGE TWO: 149km - YORKSHIRE HERITAGE - BARNSLEY TO ILKLEY Friday 4 May

STAGE THREE: 184km – MARKET TOWNS - RICHMOND TO SCARBOROUGH Saturday 5 May

STAGE FOUR: 189.5km – THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER - HALIFAX TO LEEDS Sunday 6 May