A BIKE race on the streets and roads of Yorkshire will grow from three days to four when it returns to the region next year.

Cycling’s world governing body the UCI confirmed the four-day Tour de Yorkshire will be included on their 2018 Europe Tour calendar between Thursday, May 3 and Sunday, May 6.

The Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire will also double in size next year, increasing from one to two days on Thursday May 3 and Friday, May 4.

>> Flashback - pictures from Tour de Yorkshire 2017

Organisers Welcome to Yorkshire believe the changes will bring benefits to the county and further enhance Yorkshire’s reputation as a world-class cycling destination.

The Tour de Yorkshire was launched in 2015 following the successful Tour de France Grand Départ in 2014, which was held in York and Leeds, and it has since grown to become one of the sport’s best-supported and most exciting races.

This year’s event was broadcast live in 180 countries, a record 2.2 million fans lined the route and the race generated £64 million for the Yorkshire economy.

More to follow...