WORLD-class cyclists will be racing through Wharfedale once again this year – in the Tour de Yorkshire.

Ilkley, Menston, Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington will all feature on the route of the third, Wakefield-to-Leeds section of the race on Sunday, May 3.

The first details of the Tour, which was set up following the spectacular success of last year’s Tour de France, were announced last week.

It will begin on Friday, May 1, with a Bridlington-to-Scarborough stage, while on Saturday, the riders will make their way from Selby to York – where there will be a women’s race.

The May 3 stage, the day before Ilkley Carnival, will see the cyclists entering Wharfedale at Addingham then proceeding to Ilkley for a climb up to the Cow and Calf, and on to Menston.

From Bingley Road, Menston, they will proceed via Otley, Pool and Arthington on to Princes Avenue, Leeds, for a finish at Roundhay Park.

West Yorkshire Police will be implementing a rolling road closure programme at different points on the day, but say these should each last no longer than one hour.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “It is wonderful that, on the back of the Tour de France’s success, we are getting a regular race for Yorkshire so local cycling enthusiasts can really put us on the map again.

“And it’s great that the two King of the Mountain climbs are both in our area – in East Chevin Road, Otley and in Black Hill Road, Arthington.

“The Tour will require some road closures but I’m pleased that they will be on a rolling basis and not last too long, so hopefully any disruption will be minimised.”

Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “I think it is great news and builds on the cycling success of the Tour de France.

“Otley is fast establishing itself as a major cycling centre and its inclusion in the Tour de Yorkshire recognises this, and the great support Otley gives to local cycling events.”

One of the key figures in co-ordinating Ilkley’s Tour de France preparations last summer, Ilkley parish councillor Bryan Websdale, is pleased to see the race coming back to Wharfedale.

Cllr Websdale said: “Personally, I think it’s fantastic, I’d heard a whisper that Ilkley might be on the route, but I hadn’t expected it. I hope people enjoyed the Tour de France last year, and if it becomes a event in the calendar we’ll continue to have celebrations and events for it.”

Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins said: “I am absolutely delighted that the first ever Tour de Yorkshire will be passing along some of the very same roads in Keighley and Ilkley which gave such an enthusiastic welcome to the Tour de France last year.

“The many positive benefits of the Tour de France are still being felt, particularly in relation to increased tourist spend and greater participation in cycling, and we can now cement these gains well into the longer term.

“I am thrilled for the respective communities involved, who I know will be as accommodating as last time, and for the wider populace who will also reap both enjoyment and reward.”

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North-West) said: “It is great news that the new Tour of Yorkshire will be passing through Arthington, Pool and Otley as the Tour de France did on that historic day last year.

“This is great news for the area and the local economy and a wonderful legacy.

“All those who saw the world’s most famous cycle race pass through will remember it for the rest of their lives.

“Now we can all look forward to welcoming back the huge cycling stars and this fantastic new race and having another memorable weekend!”

Cllr Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I’m delighted that the best riders in the world will be returning to Otley but I’m also slightly disappointed that the cycle route essentially goes around the town rather than through it.

“I shall be asking the organisers if they can tweak the route to pass along Burras Lane, Bondgate and Gay Lane so residents and visitors can enjoy the Otley Street Festival taking place and spend a little money in the pubs and shops while they wait for the peloton to pass through.”

Otley Town Council leader Cllr John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “The council welcomes the news that Otley is featured on the route of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire – it will be another great day for the town.”