STAGE One of next year's third annual Tour of Yorkshire cycle race will pass through the Ryedale district, it has been announced.

The 173km route, which starts in Bridlington, will take in Norton, Malton, Amotherby, Kirby Misperton, Pickering, Sleights, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay, before finishing in Scarborough.

It will take place on Friday, April 28, the first day of the Tour.

Councillor Carl Les, leader of the county council, said: "Now with three years of experience of hosting world class cycling events in North Yorkshire, I have no doubt that the county council will once again rise to the challenge and that the residents of North Yorkshire will once again embrace it.

"The race in 2017 will see even more of the route in the county – just over 50 per cent – with three starts and finishes.

"It will require considerable planning and expertise to ensure that it can take place in the least disruptive way, while giving all those thousands of people who will undoubtedly want to visit North Yorkshire to see it, the access they need.

"Working with the district councils and other partners, there will be a significant logistical challenge, which we will respond to efficiently and effectively."

As in previous years, there will be rolling road closures along the route.

Cllr Les added: "Although there will be some disruption associated with the race, we also know there will be significant economic benefit to businesses in our county, from both the spectators and the television and media coverage that comes with the race.

"I believe that we need to continue to make the most of these opportunities and I think that most people now recognise that the benefits far outweigh the small amount of disruption that hosting such a world class raise causes."

The second and third stages of the mens race will take in the Dales and parts of West and South Yorkshire.