THOUSANDS of cycling fans are expected to flock to Craven to see their sporting heroes when the first -ever Tour de Yorkshire race arrives in the area on Sunday, May 3.

Some of the world's top riders will be in action on an eight-mile stretch through Sutton-in-Craven, Cross Hills, Kildwick, Silsden and Addingham as part of the Tour's167km stage from Wakefield to Leeds.

It is last of three stages of the race - the first stage is from Bridlington to Scarborough on May 1 and the second is from Selby to York on May 2.

Th event is designed to further showcase the county following the massively successful Grand Depart of the Tour de France last year.

It will be be televised live in Britain and in much of Europe, and is expected to become a flagship event in the international cycling calendar.

Organisers say that there will be rolling road closures on and around the route, though these should be mostly of about an hour only, apart from on some climbs and the finish lines.

Many of the world's top cycling teams are expected to be taking part.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, which is organising the race with Amaury Sport Organisation, said: "The Tour de Yorkshire will bring back many of the world's top cycling teams."

Silsden mayor Cllr Chris Atkinson said he thought the town would get behind the race following last year's "awesome" Grand Depart.

"We thought it was going to be a one-off, but it’s coming back," he said. "If we get half of what we got last time, I don’t think anyone can complain.”