DELIGHTED cycling fans across the Keighley area are jubilant that the all-new Tour de Yorkshire route will again bring biking stars and huge crowds to local beauty spots.

One million fans are expected to line the route to see the world's top cyclists in action for the three stages of the first-ever Tour de Yorkshire race which starts on May 1.

The third day's riding on this annual event will see the cyclists ride through the Worth Valley, South Craven and Silsden as part of a 167km route from Wakefield to Leeds.

The local stretch, which includes part of last year’s Tour de France route, includes Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth, Goose, Sutton, Cross Hills, Kildwick and Silsden.

Haworth parish councillor and trader Nikki Carroll summed up widespread excitement at the new race.

She said: “This is another fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful landscape and for communities to get involved in a spectacular event.”

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: “I am absolutely delighted that the first-ever Tour de Yorkshire will be passing along some of the very same roads in Keighley and Ilkley which gave such an enthusiastic welcome to the Tour de France last year.

“There were scenes, broadcast around the world, that we shall never forget.

“I am thrilled for the respective communities involved, who I know will be as accommodating as last time.”

Mr Hopkins said the many positive benefits of the Tour de France were still be felt locally, particularly in increased spending from tourists and greater participation in cycling.

He added: “We can now cement these gains well into the longer term.”

Bradford Council leader Councillor David Green said: "We hope that people really get behind this new event in the same way as they did last July.”

The Tour de Yorkshire will be shown live on television in the UK and across Europe, once again shining a spotlight on Yorkshire.

It is organised by tourist body Welcome To Yorkshire and Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO, with support from British Cycling and local authorities.

The Tour de Yorkshire will start in Bridlington, and days one and two are based around the coast and north east of Yorkshire, visiting the North Yorks Moors, Scarborough and York.

As well as the elite competition, the Tour de Yorkshire Ride is a mass public bike ride before the pro race on the morning of the final day, May 3, in which thousands are expected to take part.