CYCLING fans, residents and local businesses are being invited to a Tour de Yorkshire Roadshow in Otley.

The free event takes place at Chevin Country Park Hotel on Thursday, April 4 and will provide lots of information on both the cycle race itself and related activities.

This year’s Tour runs from Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5 and will include stages where the riders pass through Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Leathley, Blubberhouses and Otley.

The Otley roadshow is one of a series that are being staged by Welcome to Yorkshire, which, with Amaury Sport Organisation, organises the race.

Details about the race and its publicity caravan, the Tour’s sportive, and local community initiatives will be available.

There will also be a dedicated section focused on how local businesses and community groups can make the most of the race coming through their area, along with a question and answer session.

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity, said: “The Tour de Yorkshire wouldn’t be what it is without the tremendous support of people right across the county, and these roadshows help them get fully informed and excited about the race.

“They also offer tips on how to benefit from the massive influx of people that will visit Yorkshire over the four days of action, and how we can celebrate our county in front of a truly global audience.

“The roadshows we have hosted so far this year have been a huge success and I am pleased that more have been added to the calendar so we can get even more people involved.”

The Otley event, which will also provide advice about brand guidelines, takes place at the Yorkgate venue from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on April 4.

It is free but places should be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tour-de-yorkshire-2019-roadshow-in-otley-tickets-56982083947. Registration on the day takes place from 5pm.

*Last year’s Tour de Yorkshire saw 2.6 million people line the route to cheer on the riders.