Cyclists in Leeds are being given the chance to sample part of the route of the Tour de France with a sneak preview Sky Ride on Father's Day.

The free mass participation bike ride will allow riders to take to the same stretch of traffic-free road which the world’s finest cyclists will follow when the Tour de France Grand Départ begins from the exact same start point on The Headrow just three weeks later.

Confident cyclists will be able to tackle the 6.5 kilometre route around the city centre, while a shorter route will be available for young children, families, riders with adapted bikes and anyone new to cycling.

The event, on Sunday June 15, is one of 14 to be held nationally and is part of a continuing partnership between Leeds City Council, British Cycling, Sky and West Yorkshire Metro which aims to encourage more people to get cycling.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure and skills Councillor Lucinda Yeadon said: "Sky Ride was a fantastic day last year with thousands of people riding the streets of Leeds city centre in beautiful sunshine having a great time.

"This year promises to be even better, with the day falling on Father’s Day so it would be great to see even more families coming along and taking part. The event also offers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to say you rode a part of the route of the Tour de France three weeks before the best riders in the world come to the city for the incredible Grand Départ, so sign up now for what will be another wonderfully exciting day."

To register for a free place at Sky Ride Leeds, visit goskyride.com. The first thousand people to sign up will receive a limited-edition gift and will be entitled to a free expert bike check at Halfords.

For more information on the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ for Leeds, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/granddepartleeds or sign up for email alerts at granddepartleeds@leeds.gov.uk