Community leaders have welcomed the decision to give two North Yorkshire towns host roles in the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain.
Organisers British Cycling have announced that stage four of the men’s race will start in Helmsley and finish in Leyburn.
The route between the two towns has yet to be revealed.
But it has been confirmed that the five-day event will visit North Yorkshire on the penultimate day on Saturday, September 5.
The tour last visited Helmsley four years ago, while Leyburn welcomes a finish of the race for the first time.
Councillor George Jabbour, North Yorkshire councillor for Helmsley, said the town hosted an “amazing” stage finish 2022 and he was delighted the event was returning to the town.
He added: “I am so pleased with the announcement this week, particularly given the tremendous effort that many have put in over the past few years to build on the 2022 legacy, to promote our stunning and welcoming area and to raise the profile of our breathtaking part of the world.”
Councillor Alison Littlewood-Laws, chair of Leyburn Town Council, said there were “so many positives” to her town’s involvement.
“It’s different to previous situations where we’ve been on the route; this is a finish, so there are some great opportunities for showcasing Leyburn and the surrounding areas on international media.”
The councillor acknowledged that there were concerns locally about the disruption.
But she added: “We’ve got the chance of increased footfall and increased spend, because people are not just coming for five minutes to watch the race go through.
“We’re in the early planning stages for how we take part in the delivery of the event, and so if people have got ideas or want to come along and volunteer to support the town council, then we’d welcome their participation.”
North Yorkshire councillor for Leyburn, Karin Sedgwick, also welcomed the news.
She said: “I’m pleased that it will be finishing in Leyburn and proud to support the event.
“It will be a good event for those who wish to attend.”
The opening stage will be a start-finish in Lincoln before the second stage starts in Boston with a finish on the coast in Skegness.
The race continues its journey up the east of the country with a stage from Hull, before heading into the Wolds for the finish in Beverley.
After the North Yorkshire stage, the race will conclude in the Scottish Borders with a start-finish location in the market town of Earlston.
The Tour of Britain is billed as one of the world’s leading cycling competitions, attracting elite international teams and broadcast to more than 100 countries.
Organisers say each stage can generate between £2m and £12m for the local economy.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has agreed to provide £350,000 of mayoral investment funding to host the event.
Additional costs of up to £400,000 will be shared on a 50/50 basis with North Yorkshire Council to cover road closures and event management.
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