Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of the East Riding on Friday, 28 April as the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire gets underway in Bridlington before passing through East Yorkshire and taking in Driffield and Pocklington for the first time.
The ceremonial start takes place outside Bridlington Spa, at 12.35pm, before the riders leave the town, passing by East Riding Leisure Bridlington and out via the A614.
The peloton will then pass through Carnaby, Haisthorpe, Thornholme, Burton Agnes, Nafferton and into Driffield at around 1.08pm. The riders will then pass through Kelleythorpe, Kirkburn, North Dalton, Warter and into Pocklington for an intermediate sprint, outside Woldgate College, at around 1.45pm, before taking in Meltonby and Bishop Wilton on the way to the first categorised climb at the Cote de Garrowby Hill, at around 2.02pm, and into North Yorkshire.
Ian Burnett, head of asset strategy at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “This is the third year of the Tour de Yorkshire and the council is proud to again support this amazing event.
The council has been a partner from the very start, in 2015, and has secured its long-term involvement until 2019.
“The race allows communities in the East Riding to see some of the world’s top cyclists up close and, as well as helping promote our area to national and international audiences, boosts the local economy.
“Every year we aim to build on the previous race and we plan to make 2017 the best yet. I would strongly urge residents and visitors to get out there and cheer on the riders as they pass through East Yorkshire and to help generate an amazing atmosphere.”
There is a single road closure from 6pm on Thursday, 27 April to 6pm on Friday, 28 April on Kingston Road/South Marine Drive, Bridlington, from Cardigan Road to Pembroke Terrace. The rest of the race will involve rolling road closures.
The council has again worked with local schools to ensure that over 2,000 local school children can watch the race and 50 children have been chosen as cycle champions to take part in a procession ahead of the ceremonial start in Bridlington. The flag for the race will be waved by local resident Bethany Playforth.
As well as the race, Bridlington Spa and EY Events have created a comprehensive programme of activities to entertain crowds in the town, including street entertainers and a big screen so that spectators can follow Stage One of the race live from Bridlington to Scarborough.
There will also be a unique and bespoke sand art images created on the south beach by internationally-renowned artist Marc Treanor.
Thousands are also expected to watch the race in the Capital of the Wolds, Driffield, and the Gateway to the Wolds, Pocklington, as the two towns host the event for the first time.
Both town councils and the wider communities have embraced the race enthusiastically and have decorated streets and put plans in place to make it a memorable occasion for the crowds.
The council and its partners hope residents and visitors to the area will again enjoy one of the country’s most eagerly anticipated cycle races and are reminded to stay safe.
Dr Gina Palumbo, Local GP and East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group Chair, said:
“We are delighted the Tour de Yorkshire is once again coming to the East Riding of Yorkshire, however with increased crowds there can be an increased risk of accident or injury.”
“I would like to remind people visiting Bridlington and Driffield that both minor injury units will be open as usual during the race should they experience a minor injury. Simply search minor injury units, East Riding of Yorkshire or contact NHS 111 for opening times and further information and advice on self-management.”
“For local people visiting NHS services on the Friday, don’t forget to plan your journey times to avoid any road closures.”
Stage two of the Tour de Yorkshire takes place on Saturday, 29 April, starting in Tadcaster and finishing in Harrogate, and stage three gets underway on Sunday, 30 April, starting in Bradford with the race finish in Fox Valley, Sheffield.
