A MASS cycle ride is to be held along the route of the Tour de Yorkshire – which takes in the Worth Valley and South Craven – just hours before professional cyclists race through.

Thousands of people are expected to saddle up for the sportive event, on May 3.

Three distances will be on offer – 50, 100 and 140 kilometres.

Each will feature sections of the Tour route and will include challenging climbs.

The 100km ride encompasses East Morton, Harden, Cullingworth, Haworth, Oakworth, Laycock, Sutton, Cross Hills and Silsden, while the longest event also includes Denholme and Oxenhope Moor.

Timings will be available online.

Nick Rusling – of Human Race, the organisation staging the event with partners Amaury Sport Organisation and Welcome to Yorkshire – said: “We have the ability to deliver something unique for thousands of cyclists on May 3 by combining the aura of the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France legacy in combination with the hospitality and stunning roads of Yorkshire.

“For sportive riders of all abilities, this will be an experience you won’t forget.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the sportive was “an exciting opportunity” for the region.

He added: “The Tour de Yorkshire is all about growing the visitor economy and this event, with thousands taking part from all over the UK and overseas, will bring even more people to visit our county.

“Demand for places in the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire ride is expected to be extremely high.”

The event is being supported by five-times Tour de France winner, Bernard Hinault, who will be offering tips to the sportive riders.

Entries opened yesterday (February 4) – visit letouryorkshire.com/sportive for details.

The Tour de Yorkshire is a new event, approved by the International Cycling Union, being held in the wake of last year’s hugely successful Tour de France Grand Depart.

The mass ride, on the final day of the three-day Yorkshire race, will start and finish at Roundhay Park in Leeds.