Tadcaster to welcome 2016 Tour de Yorkshire peleton

Following the huge success in hosting a stage start of this year’s race, the Selby district will see riders in the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire pass through on two consecutive days, as the second highest-attended cycle race in the world takes to Yorkshire’s roads again in the spring.

On Friday 29 April and Saturday 30 April we expect some of the world’s top riders to come through the district, as the race makes its way first from Beverley to Settle, and then from Otley to Doncaster.

On Saturday 20 April the district will also host the women’s race, which passes along the same route as the men’s race a few hours ahead: this means spectators in the Selby district will have a full day of activities.

Full route information can be found via www.letouryorkshire.com. On Friday 29 April the race enters the Selby district at North Duffield, and passes through Riccall, Kelfield, Cawood, Ulleskelf, Towton and Tadcaster before heading out towards Boston Spa. On Saturday 30 April the race comes into the district from Aberford, then to Sherburn in Elmet, South Milford, Monk Fryston, Hillam, Birkin and Beal, before heading out towards Knottingley.

Leader of Selby District Council, Cllr Mark Crane, said, “We already know that we’ve got a start or finish for the 2017 race, so to be playing such a big role in 2016 is a real bonus. Last year around 10,000 people came out to see the riders as they left Selby on day two; this year I’m confident that if the weather is good we’ll see people lining the route throughout the district.

“What’s great about the route for 2016 is that we’re able to showcase some real highlights of the district, as the race passes through some of our fantastic countryside and villages and takes in areas of the district not covered during last year’s race. There’s a global TV audience for this event, so this will really put our district on the map.

“We’ve seen a real boost in interest in cycling in the Selby district with our involvement in the 2015 Tour de Yorkshire, with record numbers of people taking part in organised bike rides and our annual Selby Sportive recognised as one of the best in the country. This can only be good news for our businesses who can benefit from increased numbers of people visiting the district. And it’s great news for everyone who lives here too, as we have another chance to see some of the world’s top rated cyclists on our doorstep."