North Yorkshire is to host a stage of the 2022 Tour of Britain cycle race.

Britain’s leading cycle race, which will take place from September 4 to 11, will return to Yorkshire for stage four on Wednesday, September 7.

Large crowds are anticipated for this stage, which will begin in Redcar and Cleveland, after it was last in the area in 2009.

North Yorkshire has embraced major cycling events from the Tour de France Grand Départ to the Tour de Yorkshire and UCI Road World Championships and this event promises to be a must-watch.

County Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “We are delighted to once again welcome major competitive cycling to North Yorkshire.

“The route the race will take within the county is currently being finalised to provide a thrilling ride while maximising opportunities for people to enjoy the race.

“As soon as the details are announced, I’m sure our communities will want to begin planning how they will welcome and celebrate the event and cycling fans across the county and beyond will be able to plan how they will watch.

“We will work closely with our partners and, with experience gathered through the management of major races over the best part of a decade, will play our part in ensuring the event runs smoothly to guarantee maximum enjoyment and minimum disruption to everyday life.”

The Tour will also visit the following regions:

Stage one Sunday, September 4 Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Stage two Monday, September 5 South of Scotland

Stage three Tuesday, September 6 North East of England and Sunderland

Stage four Wednesday, September 7 Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire

Stage five Thursday, September 8 Nottinghamshire

Stage six Friday, September 9 Gloucestershire

Stage seven Saturday, September 10 Dorset

Stage eight Sunday, September 11 Isle of Wight

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to North Yorkshire with the Tour of Britain and know what a warm welcome the race will receive.

“Together with our partners at North Yorkshire County Council, we are working to create a fantastic route and engage all of the communities along it, resulting in what will no doubt be a memorable stage of the Tour.”

All stages of the Tour will be televised on ITV4 and, while spectators can watch all the action by the roadside for free, race day hospitality packages offer guaranteed prime views of stage starts and finishes, complete with fine dining experiences. Visit sportsbreaks.com/Cycling for more information.