Countdown begins as Tour de Yorkshire timings announced

Highly anticipated details of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire’s closing stage in Leeds have been announced today.



Held on 1 – 3 May, the major international cycling race will showcase some of Yorkshire’s most iconic scenery. Day three, and the entire race, finishes in Leeds and is set to be the most challenging and beautiful.



All routes were announced in Bridlington earlier this year and now race organisers, Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amaury Sport Organisation based in France, have announced the timings and details of the location starts and finishes.



Day three, from Wakefield to Leeds, will start at 12.15pm outside Wakefield Cathedral. Riders will have a 4km neutralised section before the official race start at Agbrigg Road on the A61 at 12.30pm.



Depending on riders’ speed the race will culminate between 4.30pm and 5pm in Roundhay Park, Leeds, where crowds can see the winners crowned.



The stage includes no less than six king of the mountain climbs and two sprints, which is sure to make for a dramatic finish to a great event.



Key points include the race reaching Holmfirth king of the mountain climb at 1.28pm, Scapegoat king of the mountain climb at 1.51pm, Hebden Bridge king of the mountain climb at 2.48pm, Goose Eye king of the mountain climb at 3.11pm, the Ilkley sprint at 3.59pm, the Cow & Calf king of the mountain climb at 3.42pm, Chevin king of the mountain climb at 3.59pm, and the final Arthington sprint before finishing on Princes Avenue alongside Roundhay Park at 4.30pm.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said:



“This incredible, challenging and technical route will again draw attention to the beauty of our part of the world. I imagine it will be as rewarding as it is demanding. Let’s hope the riders have enough breath left at the top of the idyllic Chevin to enjoy the view.



“As anticipation grows everyone can start to plan where they will see the race from and at what time to watch cycling’s top athletes battle our inspiring scenery. We’ve worked hard to ensure disruption to residents is kept to a minimum. With rolling road closures no road should be affected for longer than an hour.”



Leeds City Council will shortly be writing to all residents and businesses on the route with detailed information including any temporary road closures, parking restrictions or changes to services.



Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:



“Today’s confirmation of the timings and precise routes in and out of the start and finish towns and cities will help fans, spectators and businesses who can now begin to plan their weekend, where to watch and how to get the best out of the event. This is going to be an extremely exciting three days for Yorkshire”.



Thierry Gouvenou, Tour de France Sports Director said:



“Our technical team had a good final visit to Yorkshire and we are very happy with the route the riders will take. With 515km in total there are some excellent opportunities throughout the three days for spectators to see riders take sprint and king of the mountain climb points, ahead of finish lines designed to generate the kind of welcome that Yorkshire spectators gave the peloton in the Tour de France”.



The race, which will be one of the most exciting cycling events held in Europe in 2015 and will be broadcast in the UK, and on Eurosport, to 70 countries around the world.



Maps of the Tour de Yorkshire race starts and finishes, timings and information for spectators can be found at, letouryorkshire.com/routemaps. Details of the Tour de Yorkshire route and timings can be viewed at letouryorkshire.com/timings



Ends



For further information please contact the Press Office on 0113 395 0244