Tour de Yorkshire comes to town!
The third stage of the massive cycle race starts in Middlesbrough, before heading down into North Yorkshire.
The third stage of the Tour de Yorkshire begins in Captain Cook's hometown of Middlesbrough before heading down through North Yorkshire.
More than a million people turned out for Stage Two in Leeds, with huge crowds expected on the streets for our region's turn.
Some of the town's most famous landmarks will come under the spotlight, with the ceremonial route will take in some of the historic links with Captain James Cook before the race begins at Poole Roundabout.
Setting off at 11:10am from Centre Square and Mima, the riders will pedal through Teesside University's new Campus before heading down Linthorpe Road.
The riders will pass the Cenotaph and memorial to D-Day hero Stan Hollis before heading through Albert Park.
They'll also visit the new Middlesbrough Sports Village and Stewart Park.
From there, the riders head to Thirsk's market square where there will be a sprint point, before the infamous Sutton Bank and a King of the Mountain.
Onwards to Helmsley, then to Kirkbymoorside and heading north to Hutton le Hole and a King of the Mountain at Blakey Ridge.
The peloton will recognise Castleton and many of the villages towards Whitby as the route is similar to that for the 2015 race.
There will be a King of the Mountain at Grosmont, where in 2015 riders were welcomed by a steam salute by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and riders will pass through Sleights and Ruswarp before dipping down to Whitby.
Next up is a battle over a King of the Mountain at Robin Hood's Bay, before another King of the Mountain at Harwood Dale.
From there it's full speed to East Ayton and Irton, before a final King of the Mountain at Oliver's Mount and a sprint finish in Scarborough's North Bay.
The inaugural Tour de Yorkshire in 2015 attracted one and a half million spectators and more than six million global television viewers, and generated an estimated £50 million in economic benefit to the areas involved.
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “To be invited to host such a prestigious event is a major coup for Middlesbrough and one which will show the town off to a worldwide television audience.
“It’s a unique chance for local people to see some of the greatest athletes in the world in action, and the town will provide a fantastic backdrop for what will undoubtedly be a memorable spectacle.
“The theme is a timely celebration of our proud links with Captain Cook and this is a fantastic opportunity to share that heritage with a whole new audience.
“It’s something for the whole town to get involved and play a part in – the legacy for Middlesbrough will be huge.”
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The routes for this year’s race showcase Yorkshire’s stunning scenery and will also deliver an excellent sporting event.
“They’re eagerly anticipated by fans, riders and teams and we have all the ingredients for another spectacular race which will bring the crowds back out.”
For full details of the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire, visit letour.yorkshire.com/.