There’s a double boost for cyclists with the launch of a new series of road races and the chance to ride part of the Tour de France route.

The Chevin Cycles Evening Road Race Series will run for six weeks from April 30 and will be open to men, women and juniors.

It is being organised by some of the team behind the Otley Cycle Races.

Each race will be run as a race in its own right but the main focus is on the series overall.

Points will be allocated for the first 12 positions and additionally there will be a prime lap on lap three of each event with points awarded for the first three.

All the races will be handicapped with the lower category riders having the advantage of starting ahead of the top riders.

Tom Barras (Wheelbase – MGD), the 2012 Yorkshire Road Race Series winner said: “This is fantastic news.

“These evening races are a cracking way to get a good work out mid-week.

“The handicap system is a great way for riders of all abilities to compete at the same time and over the weeks everyone gets to know each other, I’m expecting a great atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to them.”

Organiser, Sonja Harper, said: “There used to be a popular series like this a few years ago but it died off because of problems with highways and police.

“I’ll be employing a professional traffic management team to resolve these problems and with lots of hard work behind the scenes I’ve been able to reinstate these great races.

“We’ll be using some great new and existing, courses in West and North Yorkshire. Many of these have been selected because the finish line is outside a pub.

“Friends, families and fans can come along and enjoy some food, a drink and some great racing.”

As well as having the chance to take part in the series, there is an opportunity for riders of all abilities to take part in the Otley Reliability ride to Kettlewell on Sunday, February 17.

The 100 kilometre circular route follows much of the planned Tour de France stage for 2014. There is also a 50km ride to Barden Tower.

To take part riders need to turn up at the Buttercross at 9.30am and pay the £3 entry fee