THE North Yorkshire route for this year's Tour of Britain 2022 cycle race has been announced today (Wednesday, April 6).
The county will welcome some of the world’s top cyclists in an unforgiving uphill route for the Tour which is returning to the county for the first time in 13-years on Wednesday, September 7.
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North Yorkshire is hosting stage four of the eight-stage race and cyclists will race between Redcar and Duncombe Park in Helmsley, with the route running through Whitby before heading into the North York Moors National Park.
The final 30km will feature the demanding climbs of Carlton Bank and Newgate Bank - both 2km long - before descending into the finish at Duncombe Park.
Local talent competing in the race includes Brothers Harry and Charlie Tanfield from Great Ayton who are cycling for Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling.
They have both enjoyed medal-winning success in recent years and welcome the race returning to their home county.
This year is the first time Charlie has taken part in the Tour of Britain and he said: “As local riders it’ll be good to race through our local villages and see some friends and family on the route cheering us on.
"It’ll be massive for the area to put on a big race like this so it’s very exciting.
“It’s a hilly stage so one for the climbers but we will see what we can do.
"It’ll be a tough one for us to tackle. I don’t think there’s any better places in the UK for the race.
"It’s really quiet with beautiful scenery and good roads.”
Harry added: “We are very excited for the Tour of Britain to be coming to our local roads in North Yorkshire.
"We have been training abroad in the likes of Spain but, as summer approaches, why would you go anywhere else?
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"Yorkshire is a great place to train and race as we have some of the best roads in the country, with both hilly and flat stretches.”
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Creating a route that encourages aggressive racing and brave tactics from day one will enhance the reputation of the race, leave the one million plus spectators watching on in person for free with long-lasting memories, showcase the stunning beauty of our host venues, and repeatedly entertain a worldwide audience.”
Karl Battersby, the County Council’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Tour of Britain which will get national and international TV coverage for North Yorkshire on some of the county’s most picturesque roads.
"The riders will certainly face some testing final climbs before the finish at Duncombe Park; one of Yorkshire's finest historic houses and estates.
“North Yorkshire’s communities have embraced major cycling events over the years, including the Tour de France Grand Départ and the Tour de Yorkshire and UCI Road World Championships. Once again we anticipate large crowds and we will be supporting everybody planning to welcome and celebrate the arrival of the race.”
Here's when and where the tour will visit
• Stage one - Sunday 4 September - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
• Stage two - Monday 5 September - South of Scotland
• Stage three - Tuesday 6 September - North East of England and Sunderland
• Stage four - Wednesday 7 September - Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire • Stage five - Thursday 8 September - Nottinghamshire
• Stage six - Friday 9 September - Gloucestershire
• Stage seven - Saturday 10 September - Dorset
• Stage eight - Sunday 11 September - Isle of Wight
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