Specific timings for the first stage of the 2014 Tour de France have been confirmed.

The schedule for the Leeds to Harrogate section of the Grand Depart on Saturday, July 5, gives slightly different times depending on whether the cyclists are travelling at 44km/h (27mph), 42km/h (26mph) or 40km/h (24mph).

The publicity caravan will set off two hours ahead of the fastest riders, leaving Leeds at 9.10am and following the route along the A61 and then the A659 into Wharfedale.

But the first actual cyclists will depart at 11.10am and are expected to pass through Arthington at noon, Pool-in-Wharfedale at 12.06pm, and Otley just six minutes later, at 12.12pm.

The Tour’s route then makes its way along the A660, including Burley-in-Wharfedale bypass, and A65 through Ilkley, with the front riders expected to pass Addingham at 12.33pm before proceeding into North Yorkshire.

The frontrunners are predicted to reach the end of the opening stage, at Harrogate, by about 4.20pm - with the two slower bands of riders crossing the line at 4.32pm and 4.46pm.

As reported last week, Otley Town Council – which is setting aside £10,000 to support Tour de France related events – expects the town to be heaving with up to 18,000 spectators on the day.