ENTRIES are building for June's cycle event Le Petit Depart, with entrants able to compete along the same routes due to be raced by the Tour de Yorkshire and the UCI World Championships.

Now in its sixth year, the sportive will take place on Sunday June 2 and normally attracts around 700 entrants. Two new routes have been added to the original 38 mile and 80 mile options, with 100 mile and 50 mile routes, giving riders the opportunity to test themselves on the area’s challenging roads.

Caren Stephenson, chairperson of Skipton Cycling Club, said there were so many good reasons for entering. “Not just the super friendly Skipton Cycle Club members helping you have a great day out on the bike but also the new route options, fabulous free giveaways, excellent feed-stops and stunning scenery, which takes in various bits of both the Tour de Yorkshire and also the UCI World Championships routes. “

She added: “This year we’re pleased with the number of entries from women, with over 20 per cent of entries so far. The club is passionate about supporting women into cycling and we hope more women will enter and join us for the day.”

The event also attracts families and friends to enter as teams and take part in the team challenge and the potential to win the team challenge trophy. Team members can choose which route to ride and do not have to ride the same route as each other. The trophy is awarded to the team with the best average speed and each year around 15 teams take part.

Bruce Dinsmore, Craven District Council’s Sports Development Officer, said: “We started the team challenge three years ago as a way for friends, work colleagues, club members or families to take part together and do which ever route they wished.”

This year Craven District Council and Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice have formed a partnership. Manorlands will be able to use the events to raise funds, and participants will be able to raise money for the charity with sponsorship forms, online fundraising and donations on entry.

Entrants will also be given the chance to win a Trek Domaine AL road bike donated by Chevin Cycles in Skipton, and a set of Hope road cycle wheels.

Sanjai Bhatia, director of Chevin Cycles, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Skipton Cycling Club with Le Petit Depart for a second year. The route takes in some of the best riding routes in Yorkshire and it’s easy to see why it’s become a firm favourite of the Summer Sportive calendar.”

Entries via British Cycling website:britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/191585/Le-Petit-Depart-2019

Both prizes, with a total value of around £750, will be drawn on the day for entrants to take home with them.