Yorkshire is to host a major three-day cycling race from 2015

Cycling’s governing body, the International Cycling Union, has announced that Yorkshire will host a major international race which has been added to the calendar for 2015.

The provisionally titled Tour de Yorkshire will build on the incredible success of this year’s Tour de France Grand Depart, which was held in the county.

The race will be organised by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation, which operates the Tour de France, and will take place between May 1-3.

Three full stages will take place over the three days and there is also expected to be a women’s race and a mass participation event. Full routes for the race are expected to be announced in early 2015.

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This new official international cycle race heralds the start of a world-class event for Yorkshire that we want to see grow over the coming years to become known the world over.

“We already have a huge amount of interest thanks to the Yorkshire Grand Depart, which captured the imagination of millions of people globally, and the Tour de Yorkshire will be a fitting legacy.

“We’re confident that, come May, we’ll deliver something very special.”

Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, said: “We knew Yorkshire was gorgeous and there was a real passion for the Tour but now we know, after the unforgettable Grand Depart, that people love the sport of cycling.

“It is now time to work together to bring a new race that will feature amazing riders and see some passionate crowds once again line the streets.”