If you loved last year’s Grand Depart in Yorkshire, then you’ll be excited about this news! The much-anticipated route of the inaugural three-day Tour de Yorkshire was revealed yesterday and includes both a ladies’ criterium in York on the Saturday and a sportive on the Sunday, run on the same roads as the professional race.

The three-stage event, scheduled for 1-3 May, will largely take place on roads that were not included in last year’s Tour, although there is a stage finish in Leeds on the final day. Each of the stages has different characteristics and should once again showcase the splendid landscape of the county.

We’re loving the leader’s jersey on Tony Robinson, pictured with Ben Swift (image: Sky)

Cyclingnews reports Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme as saying:

After the grandest of Grand Départs of the Tour de France, we were keen to return to Yorkshire. With its stunning landscapes, iconic cities and tough climbs, Yorkshire offers all the ingredients needed for a great cycling race. The welcome we received in Yorkshire in July 2014 was simply spectacular and I am very much looking forward to returning there in May for the Tour de Yorkshire.

The mass-participation Tour de Yorkshire Ride promises to be one of the season’s more challenging sportives. It will take place before the pro race on the morning of Sunday 3rd May. This will be a very popular event, so make sure you register your interest here. More details will be released next week and we’ll keep you in the loop.

For analysis on the route itself, visit Cycling Weekly and Road cc. while the official channels for the race are: www.letouryorkshire.com, @LeTourYorkshire #TdY, Facebook.com/LeTourYorkshire.