WORLD class cyclists will be racing through Wharfedale once again this year - in the Tour de Yorkshire.

Ilkley, Menston, Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington will all feature on the route of the third, Wakefield to Leeds section of the race on Sunday, May 3.

The first details of the Tour, which was set up following the spectacular success of last year's Tour de France, were announced yesterday. [WED JAN 21] It will begin on Friday, May 1 with a Bridlington to Scarborough stage, while on Saturday, May 2 the riders will make their way from Selby to York - where there will be a women's race.

The May 3 stage will see the cyclists entering Wharfedale at Addingham then proceeding to Ilkley for a climb up the Cow and Calf, and on to Menston.

From Bingley Road, Menston they will proceed via Otley, Pool and Arthington on to Princes Avenue, Leeds for a finish at Roundhay Park.

West Yorkshire Police will be implementing a rolling road closure programme at different points on the day, but say these should each last no longer than one hour.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) hailed the news.

He said: "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.

"And it's great that the two King of the Mountain climbs for stage are both in our area - on East Chevin Road, Otley and on Black Hill Road, at Arthington.

"The Tour will require some road closures but I'm pleased that they will be on a rolling basis and not last too long, so hopefully any disruption will be minimised."

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: "I think it is great news and builds on the cycling success of the Tour de France.

"Otley is fast establishing itself as a major cycling centre and its inclusion in the Tour de Yorkshire recognises this, and the great support Otley gives to local cycling events."

One of the key figures in co-ordinating Ilkley’s Tour de France preparations last summer, Ilkley parish councillor Bryan Websdale, is pleased to see the race coming back to Wharfedale.

Councillor Websdale said: “Personally, I think it’s fantastic, I’d heard a whisper that Ilkley might be on the route, but I hadn’t expected it. I hope people enjoyed the Tour de France last year, and if it becomes a event in the calendar we’ll continue to have celebrations and events for it.”

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: “It is great news that the new Tour of Yorkshire will be passing through Arthington, Pool and Otley as the Tour de France did on that historic day last year.

“This is great news for the area and the local economy and a wonderful legacy.

“All those who saw the world's most famous cycle race pass through will remember it for the rest of their lives. Now we can all look forward to welcoming back the huge cycling stars and this fantastic new race and having another memorable weekend!”

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I'm delighted that the best riders in the world will be returning to Otley but I'm slightly disappointed that the route essentially goes around the town, rather than through it.

“I shall be asking the organisers if they can 'tweak' the route to pass along Burras Lane, Bondgate and Gay Lane so residents and visitors can enjoy the Otley Street Festival taking place and spend a little money in the pubs and shops whilst they wait for the peloton to pass through.”

Otley Town Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “The council welcomes the news that Otley is featured on the route of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire - 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.”

The route goes through Addingham and Ilkley, past the Cow and Calf Rocks landmark, and skirts Rombalds Moor, past Burley Woodhead and through Menston, on Sunday May 3, the day before Ilkley Carnival.

After setting off from Menston, local cycling fans can cheer on the riders at the following points: Buckle Lane, Menston: West Chevin Road, Birdcage Walk and East Chevin Road, Otley; Old Lane, Bramhope; A658 Pool Bank New Road; A659 Arthington Lane, Black Hill Road, Arthington Road.

Welcome to Yorkshire, Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) and British Cycling have started the new UCI 2.1 Euope Tour world-class race due to the "wish to create a strong, long-lasting race on the international elite calendar and contribute to the cycling legacy for Yorkshire."

Director of the Tour de France, Christian Prudhomme, said: "After the grandest of Grand Départs of the Tour de France, we were keen to return to Yorkshire.

"With its stunning landscapes, iconic cities and tough climbs, Yorkshire offers all the ingredients needed for a great cycling race."

Thousands of people turned out at communities across Wharfedale last year, including Otley, Pool, Arthington, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley and Addingham, to cheer on the Tour de France competitors.

The Tour de Yorkshire will be covered on terrestrial British TV, as well as on international channels.