CYCLISTS will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of Le Petit Depart sportive with a ride around Craven on Sunday, June 3.

The event was set up as a partnership between Craven District Council and Skipton Cycle Club as a legacy event for the 2014 Tour de France: Grand Depart.

Cyclists can choose between two routes of 38 or 80 miles, both of which follow some of the route the Tour de France took when it came through Craven four years ago.

Places are still available for this year’s event and anyone who enters will be put into a prize draw to win a Trek Domane AL road bike from Chevin Cycles. Hope Technology is also offering a set of professional road wheels to be won and taken away by a participant on the day.

Cllr Linda Brockbank said: “We’re very proud of Le Petit Depart – it’s a fantastic way for cyclists to experience the wonderful scenery of Craven. Hundreds of people have taken part in the event over the last four years and we’ve had some wonderful feedback – people love the stunning countryside, the enthusiastic, friendly marshals and the feed stops."

Cyclists following the 80-mile route travel from Skipton up through Kettlewell and Buckden, tackling the Kidstones Climb, then on into Wensleydale, Widdale and to the Ribblehead viaduct before heading back through Horton in Ribblesdale and Settle, up High Hill Lane and back via Airton and Hetton.

The recreational riders split from the sportive at Kettlewell and turn back through Grassington, Burnsall and Bolton Abbey before heading back to Skipton via Embsay.

Sanjai Bhatia, director of Chevin Cycles, said: “We are delighted to be partnering up with Skipton Cycling Club to support this year’s Le Petit Depart. It has been amazing to see the event grow over the years and undoubtedly become one of the best Sportives in Yorkshire. Chevin Cycles are committed to supporting the local cycling community in Skipton to ensure it prospers for future generations to enjoy.”

Volunteers from Skipton Cycle Club marshal the event around the route, welcoming riders at the sign on and start, running the three feed stops and then greeting participants back at the finish.

Club chairperson Caran Stephenson said: “You don’t need to be a super fit athlete to take part in Le Petit Depart – although there will be many about. You can also do the 38 mile scenic ride and just have a great day out and you’ll be supported all the way round by our enthusiastic club volunteers.

“The cost of entry is from £23 and you will get your money’s worth in pies and butties alone. We would love to see you there so visit the website and book for yourself and a few of your mates or family – under-16s get free entry - and join us for our anniversary ride.”

The Hetton Angels cycling teams, organised by cyclist Peter Vernon, have taken part in Le Petit Depart since it started.

He said: “We’ve all loved seeing the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire events in the county, but the very best bits are captured in Le Petit Depart, and if you only get one chance to feel the same challenge and excitement, cycling in the LPD is the one for you.”

Le Petit Depart Challenge 80 mile Sportive costs £36 and the Scenic 38mile Sportive costs £23. For more details and to enter go to: lepetitdepart.co.uk

For more details on Skipton Cycling Club go to: skiptoncyclingclub.org.uk