THOUSANDS of people in Ilkley, Addingham, Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington turned out to cheer on the Tour de France riders last year – and are expected to line the streets in similar fashion this weekend.

The riders come into Wharfedale on Sunday, May 3, and are due to arrive in Addingham on the B6160 at about 3.30pm. Key points in stage three include: the Ilkley Sprint at approximately 3.39pm; the Cow and Calf King of the Mountain climb at approximately 3.42pm; Chevin King of the Mountain climb at approximately 3.59pm; and the final Arthington Sprint before the finish in Leeds at approximately 4.12pm.

Addingham is rekindling the full ‘Le Tour’ spirit of last year, complete with bunting, commemorative polo jerseys, entertainment and celebratory events.

Shops and businesses plan to open on Sunday and there will be live music and beer festivals in some of the village pubs. Addingham Memorial Hall will put on a bouncy castle and children’s activities, and Addingham Cricket Club will again turn into a campsite.

Following the success of commemorative polo shirts last year, window stickers and shirts have been produced, available from The Crown on Main Street.

Although not passing through Otley itself, one of the Tour de Yorkshire’s King of the Mountain stages will take place at the town, on the brutally steep East Chevin Road.

A spectator car park will be provided for Otley’s King of the Mountain stage at Station Top, off East Chevin Road.

Spectators can see the riders race along Pool Bank New Road and Arthington Lane, and at Arthington, where they will sprint along Black Hill Road as they make their way to Leeds and the race’s conclusion.

Otley Town Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) is hoping for a repeat of the euphoric scenes the area enjoyed last July.

He said: “It will be another great day for the town, and we will be talking to the different partner organisations to see how best we can celebrate this brilliant event.”

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “It is wonderful that, on the back of the Tour de France’s success, we are getting a regular race for Yorkshire so local cycling enthusiasts can really put us on the map again.”

For many areas only one-hour, rolling road closures will be needed. Several longer, 1.30pm to 5pm, closures have been confirmed though. They will include: Birdcage Walk, Otley; East Chevin Road, Otley; Black Hill Road, Arthington – for the Arthington Sprint; and Arthington Road, from Arthington into Leeds.

Cheer on riders at: West Chevin Road, Birdcage Walk and East Chevin Road, Otley; Old Lane, Bramhope; A658 Pool Bank New Road; A659 Arthington Lane, Black Hill Road, and Arthington Road.