A PICKERING dentist is recruiting a team of cyclists to ride the Tour de Yorkshire sportive - and raise money for antibiotic research.

Sarah Glover, of Birdgate Dental, is offering 15 free places on the ride, which takes place on the final day of the Tour and follows many of the roads the Tour riders take - meaning riding in front of supportive crowds.

The team also have special cycle jerseys to wear on the day, sponsored by Flamingo Land.

Ms Glover, a qualified British Cycling ride leader, said: “Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who can ride a suitable bike should be able to tackle the short route (45km).

“We are asking participants to try to raise at least £100 for Antibiotic Research UK for one of the free places.”

Founded in 2014 by experts in antibiotic resistance, Antibiotic Research UK aims for the first new antibiotics to be in clinical use by 2020.

The charity is funded by public donation and hopes to replace the hole left by many of the big pharmaceutical companies, which have withdrawn from antibiotic drug development.

Ms Glover said: “I decided to get involved with the Tour de Yorkshire Sportive this year to raise money for Antibiotic Research UK, as I have previously cycled in the sportive and found it one of the best I have ever done.

“The spectators waiting for the pros are encouraging and cheer on the sportive riders as they go past. The atmosphere is amazing and finishing in the same place as the pros gives you a real sense of achievement at the end of the ride.

“When we were awarded charity places it brought the two of the things I am passionate about together - cycling for fitness and raising money for new antibiotic therapies to help those who need them.”

This year Ms Glover has recruited a team of cyclists from Birdgate Dental and also JWP Creers accountants in York to ride the sportive, which will take place at Fox Valley in Sheffield on Sunday, April 30.

For most of the cyclists taking the Antibiotic Research UK places, this will be their first sportive.

“I am going to be on the finish line waving the riders through and supplying them with ‘goody’ bags to celebrate their achievements,” she added.

For a free place code, email sarah@birdgatedental.co.uk