A MAJOR new cycling event will pass through Otley and Wharfedale to mark ten years since the Tour de France Grand Depart came to Yorkshire.

The staging of the world-famous race put the spotlight on the county and fostered a love of cycling that has been exhibited through many events since then.

This new event, entitled Legacy Ride, aims to welcome riders of all ages and abilities as a mass participation event so that everyone can celebrate cycling and the anniversary of the Tour de France.

It will retrace the route followed by the professionals back in 2014, taking place this year on Sunday July 7.

The event will raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and a £6.8m Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal for a Rob Burrow Centre for MND.

Setting out from Roundhay Park in Leeds, riders will make their way to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales via some of the county’s most scenic roads and locations.

The sporting celebration is being organised by cycling events company Struggle Events with support from Leeds City Council and sponsorship from Leeds-based advanced digital delivery consultancy Axiologik.

Matt Mannakee, director and co-founder of Struggle Events, said: “The Tour de France changed the way Yorkshire used – and enjoyed – our fantastic countryside roads. Our aim for this Legacy Ride is to revive that cycling fever for the good of our health, for pleasure and to protect our environment."

While avid cycling enthusiasts are invited to test their fitness over the full 230km ride, there are 120km and 70km route options designed to encourage cyclists of all levels to get involved.

All routes start and finish in Roundhay Park and head out into Wharfedale. The 230km route takes riders into Wensleydale and Swaledale via Kidstones Pass, Buttertubs Pass and Grinton Moor.

The 120km route passes Bolton Abbey and then takes riders over a climb dubbed ‘Cote de Skyreholme’. The 70km route, meanwhile, heads past Otley and over Askwith Moor.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The Grand Depart was a fantastic occasion for Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire, showcasing the people and places of our city and county to a global audience of millions.

“I’m delighted, therefore, that the 10th anniversary of that very special weekend is being celebrated with an event that will encourage amateur riders to get on their bikes and emulate the big-name cyclists who thrilled us all a decade ago."

The route will be run on open roads, with riders setting off early in the morning in staggered groups. There will be no road closures, with plans in place to minimise impact on local residents throughout the route. People are encouraged to show their support for the riders as they pass by.

Legacy Ride is open for entries now, at www.legacy-ride.com.