THE 2018 Tour de Yorkshire will once again come to Ryedale.

Stage Three of the race will pass through the north of the district, climbing the unforgiving Sutton Bank before sweeping along the A170 through Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale.

The route was announced at an event in Halifax this morning.

On Saturday, May 5 2018, the 184km Richmond to Scarborough stage will leave Thirsk for the Sutton Bank climb.

The first contenders over the top there will be rewarded with points in the mountains classification.

The action then passes through Helmsley and on to Pickering for a second intermediate sprint before heading east for a finish in Scarborough.

>>>> Click here for a flash back to pictures from this year's Tour de Yorkshire

Cllr Luke Ives, chair of Ryedale District Council's policy and resources committee, said: "Once again the beautiful Ryedale district will feature in this fantastic race, with media from around the world able to see our stunning landscape and picturesque market towns.

"Last year’s race is estimated to have boosted the regional economy by over £60 million.

“Cycling and cycling tourism is of growing importance across Yorkshire and nowhere more so than here in Ryedale.

"That’s why the council’s agreed to invest in developing plans for a new cycling path between Malton and Pickering and investigate cycle infrastructure to connect our other market towns.

"Doing this will help to make us a real destination for cycling, which supports our long-term ambitions for growth and investment.

"It’s also great for people living and working in the area too, giving more options for travelling between key locations.

"I’m sure that once again Ryedale businesses and communities will put on a fantastic show to welcome the riders and the support teams for this race – and I can’t wait to see our area given more national TV exposure at a really important time of year for our tourism businesses."