Cyclists are being offered the chance to take part in a new annual event – and experience part of the Le Tour Grand Depart.
Le Petit Depart – a joint venture between Skipton Cycling Club and Craven District Council – is set to take place on June 1, a month before the Grand Depart weekend.
Cyclists will be given the choice of two routes setting off from Skipton and with the more challenging route taking in the Cote de Cray at Kidstones – the first official climb of the Grand Depart.
Both routes will set off from Skipton Auction Mart and will cover much of the stage one route to be taken in the Grand Depart.
A 78-mile route will take more experienced riders over three climbs and along six dales.
It will head off through Wharfedale, over the Cote de Cray at Kidstones and along stage one of the route before returning to Skipton via Ribblehead Viaduct, Settle and Malhamdale.
A 33-mile route will follow the Grand Depart route up and back down Upper Wharfedale valley in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Proceeds from the event will go to Skipton Junior Riders to promote youth cycling.
Entry fees will be lower for those entering before next Friday, February 7.
For more information go to lepetitgranddepart.co.uk.
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