The route for the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire has been announced, with North Yorkshire’s roads hosting just over half of the race, as the cyclists visit the county for the third year.
The race, which will run from Friday 28 April to Sunday 30 April, 2017, will be in its third year and is now a highlight in the calendar for cycling’s elite riders. The race continues to build on Yorkshire’s reputation as a great destination for cycling and the route in North Yorkshire will provide another challenge ride for cyclists and a great opportunity to showcase the county.
North Yorkshire County Council is working with partner organisations – including the event organisers, Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sports Organisation, ASO and district councils and the emergency services – on a highways operation to facilitate the race while maintaining vital access for local residents, visitors and businesses.
“Now with three years of experience of hosting world class cycling events in North Yorkshire, I have no doubt that the County Council will once again rise to the challenge and that the residents of North Yorkshire will once again embrace it,” said Councillor Carl Les, the Leader of North Yorkshire County Council.
“The race in 2017 will see even more of the route in the county – just over 50 per cent – with three starts and finishes and it will require considerable planning and expertise to ensure that it can take place in the least disruptive way, while giving all those thousands of people who will undoubtedly want to visit North Yorkshire to see it, the access they need. Working with the district councils and other partners, there will be a significant logistical challenge, which we will respond to efficiently and effectively.”
As with previous years, the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire will see some road closures and parking restrictions but these will be kept to a minimum. The majority of the route will see rolling road closures, which will generally last no more than an hour. The start and finish areas, however, along some of the climbs and some of the busier locations, are likely to see longer road closures will be required to ensure the safety of the race and the spectators. Further details of these and any other parking restrictions will be available nearer to the race weekend.
“Although there will be some disruption associated with the race, we also know there will be significant economic benefit to businesses in our county, from both the spectators and the television and media coverage that comes with the race,” added Councillor Les.
“I believe that we need to continue to make the most of these opportunities and I think that most people now recognise that the benefits far outweigh the small amount of disruption that hosting such a world class raise causes.”
Further information will be published via the council’s website, www.northyorks.gov.uk/tour.