The Tour de Yorkshire is back and better than ever!
In its fourth year the 2018 race is set to be the biggest yet with an extra day added, going from three to fourth days. As in previous years riders will face timed sprints and challenging climbs, whilst travelling through the beautiful region.
The Tour de Yorkshire has gone from strength to strength becoming a top attraction in the region with the race passing through many iconic landscapes.
Below is the route and we’ve highlight some beautiful villages, wonderful market towns and amazing regions, we think you should visit!
Stage one
Thursday 3rd May: Beverley to Doncaster - 182km
Opening stage takes place in Beverley, where riders will make their way to the coast and through Hornsea, then looping back and racing towards Doncaster. This stage of the race will include a climb at Baggaby Hill and two timed sprints at Polkington and Howden.
Stage one of the women's race will also follow this route.
Places of interest include Beverley & Hornsea
Search cottages in the Yorkshire Wolds or Bridlington & Hornsea.
Stage Two
Friday 4th May: Barnsley to Ilkley - 149km
The second stage of the race starts at Barnsley and heads to Penistone and then Coinstonburgh, with a climb at Blacker hill and a sprint at Swinton. Riders will then head north with another timed sprint at Scholes. Next it is onto another tough ascent at Old Pool Bank just outside of Otley and finishing in the spa town of Ilkley with a summit finish on the Cow and Calf, the first in race history.
The women's race has also gained an extra day and will follow a similar route to this.
Places of interest include Ilkley and Otley
Search cottages in the Bronte Country, Skipton area or Harrogate area.
Stage Three
Saturday 5th May: Richmond to Scarborough - 184km
The third stage of the Tour de Yorkshire will roll out of Richmond, travelling through the landscape of Wensleydale to Leyburn, before the first timed sprint at Morton on Swale, riders then pass through Northallerton and Thirsk. Next is a climb at Sutton Bank, another timed sprint at Pickering, then a climb at Silpho with rider heading along the coast through Scarborough to Filey then looping back inland to the finish.
Places of interest include Richmond, Leyburn, Northallerton, Thirsk, Pickering, Scarborough & Filey.
Search cottages in the Wensleydale, North Yorkshire Moors or Scarborough & Filey.
Stage Four
Sunday 6th May: Halifax to Leeds - 189.5km
New for 2018, stage 4!
Stage 4, the longest of the routes starts in Halifax with the first of six climbs at Hebden Bridge, riders will then head to Haworth and another climb awaits at Goose Eye, crossing from Bronte Country into Craven and travelling through Skipton to the next climb at Barden Moor, the first sprint at Kilnsey, followed by another gruelling climb at Park Rash. The rider will then make their way through Middleham, Masham & Pately Bridge before they face a climb at Greenhow Hill, Otley features again in the race and the finial climb at Otley Chevin and final sprint at Black hill road with the race finishing in Leeds.
Places of interest include Hebden Bridge, Haworth, Skipton, Kettlewell, Masham, Pateley Bridge & Otley.
Search cottages in the Harrogate area, Wharfedale, Skipton area or Bronte Country.