It’s been confirmed that stage 3 of the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire will go through the Ryedale district, following the route of the A170 from Sutton Bank to east of Thornton le Dale. Next year, for the first time, the race is being extended to four days rather than three, as it grows in popularity.
On Saturday 5th May 2018, the 184km Richmond to Scarborough stage will leave Thirsk for the fearsome Sutton Bank climb. The first contenders over the top there will be rewarded with points in the mountains classification. The action then passes through Helmsley and on to Pickering for a second intermediate sprint before heading east for a finish in Scarborough.
Chair of Ryedale District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, Cllr Luke Ives, commented, “Once again the beautiful Ryedale district will feature in this fantastic race, with media from around the world able to see our stunning landscape and picturesque market towns. The race passes right through the centre of Helmsley, Kirbymoorside, Pickering and Thorton le Dale, giving our businesses a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the event. Last year’s race is estimated to have boosted the regional economy by over £60 million.
“Cycling and cycling tourism is of growing importance across Yorkshire and nowhere more so than here in Ryedale. That’s why the Council’s agreed to invest in developing plans for a new cycling path between Malton and Pickering and investigate cycle infrastructure to connect our other market towns. Doing this will help to make us a real destination for cycling, which supports our long-term ambitions for growth and investment. It’s also great for people living and working in the area too, giving more options for travelling between key locations.
“I’m sure that once again Ryedale businesses and communities will put on a fantastic show to welcome the riders and the support teams for this race – and I can’t wait to see our area given more national TV exposure at a really important time of year for our tourism businesses.”