LEEDS City Council has announced the local road closure plans for the final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The high-profile cycling race, set up following the Tour de France’s visit to the region last year, runs from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3.

Featuring some of the world’s top riders – German sprinter Marcel Kittel, along with Sir Bradley Wiggins have been confirmed – the race will pass through Wharfedale on the Wakefield to Leeds stage on May 3. It will enter Leeds City Council’s area at Menston before winding past Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington and then on into the city itself, where it ends at Roundhay Park.

Unlike the Tour de France, the riders will not be preceded by a publicity caravan so the organisers are anticipating mostly one-hour, rolling road closures along the route.

Several longer-term, 1.30pm to 5pm, closures have been confirmed however, for safety reasons and will include: lBirdcage Walk, Otley lEast Chevin Road, Otley – for the King of the Mountain stage lBlack Hill Road, Arthington – for the Arthington Sprint and Arthington Road, from Arthington into Leeds.

In his notification letter to local residents and businesses, the city council’s director of City Development, Martin Farrington, said: “The race route does need to be clear of all vehicles, so any on-street parking along parts of the route – and some access roads to key points of interest – will be formally suspended on race day.

“Specific signing will be undertaken nearer the time to further inform residents and spectators of the restrictions and requirements.

“Routes for emergency vehicles will be kept open at all times and emergency services, health and social care, community meals and other agencies are working together to ensure the impact on normal services is minimal.

“Should you have any concerns in this regard please contact your health or social care provider directly or contact the Adult Social Care team at: ASC-TDY@leeds.gov.uk or (0113) 2478413.

“There is also likely to be some disruption to public transport services on the day, and details of bus service interruptions and / or temporary diversions will be available at: wymetro.com” Organisers Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sports Organisation – supported by British Cycling and local authorities – are expecting spectators to turn out in droves. The public will be able to cheer on riders from the roadside all along the route, and spectator car parks will also be provided for Otley’s King of the Mountain stage at Station Top, off East Chevin Road, and at Roundhay Park.

Visit www.letouryorkshire.com for more information.