Pete Williams will be on home territory when he tackles the first Tour de Yorkshire tomorrow.

The 28-year-old Embsay rider is part of the newly-formed One Pro Cycling team which is backed by England cricketer Matt Prior.

He will be lining up for the start alongside a cast of top riders that includes Sir Bradley Wiggins, the 2012 Tour de France winner, and top German sprinter Marcus Kittel, who won four stages in the 2014 Tour de France.

Kittel’s wins included the first stage to Harrogate so he will have happy memories of Yorkshire as he sets out on the first stage from Bridlington to Scarborough.

Williams said: “It is great to have another big race in Yorkshire so soon after last year’s Tour de France. Let’s hope the weather proves to be as nice and the crowds come out.

“I am looking forward to the race and it will certainly be a tough test. The first stage goes over the North Yorkshire Moors where I used to train a lot when I lived in York.

“I think the second stage from Selby to York will end with a mass sprint finish and there is plenty of climbing on the last day when we go from Wakefield to Leeds.

“There are a lot of hills before we even get to Haworth, Ilkley’s Cow and Calf and Otley Chevin. If it is windy that will be making it even harder.”

Williams, whose 2014 season was blighted by injury, won the sprint category of the Tour of Britain in 2012 and was second in 2013.

He has been happy with the way things have been going with his new team. He said: “We have the best bikes and equipment and everything is geared to achieving success.

“Our sprinter Chris Opie has been riding well and it will be nice for us to do well in our first season. I am looking forward to it.

“It is great for Yorkshire to have its own tour and it is a chance for the public to see many of the top riders competing on their doorstep.”