WHARFEDALES’S schools, community groups and businesses are being urged to get creative for this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

The 2019 edition of the race takes place from Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5 and will once more offer plenty of opportunities for local fans to cheer on some of the best cyclists in the world.

The race passes through Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Leathley during Stage 2, on May 3, and is back in Wharfedale on May 5 when the riders will go through Blubberhouses and then Otley and a climb up East Chevin Road.

Welcome to Yorkshire, which organisers the Tour with the Amaury Sport Organisation, is once again holding a Land Art competition to promote the race - and entries are open now.

Entrants are being invited to ‘think big’ and create eye-catching pieces that can be admired by spectators, cyclists and TV crews.

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity, said: “The people of Yorkshire do us proud each year with the effort they make with their land art and last year their hard work was shown off to 12.5 million TV viewers around the world.

“I always say that the tour is so much more than a bike race and this a perfect example of how it can bring people together to celebrate their communities.

“I can’t wait to see the creations entered into this year’s competition.”

James Brunt from the Landmark Collective, who were last year’s winners, added: “The Tour de Yorkshire Land Art competition is a wonderful opportunity for artists, schools and groups to show off our amazing county.

“Winning the competition last year was a lovely bonus after having the privilege of working at Wentworth Woodhouse and playing creatively with the house’s fascinating history.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s competition inspires and further showcasing Yorkshire as the home of land art.”

Among the local land art created for last year’s race was a huge image of a bicycle produced by pupils and staff on the grounds of Ashfield Primary School, Otley.

Hundreds of art works have been impressing the organisers since the competition started in 2016.

The Welcome to Yorkshire website says: “These massive, eye-catching works of art look brilliant on TV and stand a great chance of being beamed to millions of viewers around the world.

“Not only that, you’ll also get the chance to win our coveted Land Art Trophy.”

For details of how to enter visit letour.yorkshire.com/landart .