Helmsley gears up for Lloyds Tour of Britain iconic cycling race
Helmsley's big moment in the national sporting calendar is almost here, with the penultimate stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain starting in the town on Saturday September 5.
This is the second time the iconic men's cycle race has called at Helmsley in the past four years, helping raise the town's profile across the UK.
The race sets off on its 165km trek to Leyburn at 11am and will feature about 100 elite riders representing approximately 18 teams from across the globe.
They will also pass through Ampleforth, Newburgh Priory and Oulston in the Howardian Hills.
A packed programme of entertainment has been organised by the Heart of Helmsley project to run alongside and which also marks its official launch.
The £204,000 initiative aims to further upgrade facilities and accessibility locally over the next 16 months using funding of £149,150 from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) Mayoral High Street Fund.
Ellie Hook, Manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, the lead applicant in the initiative, said: “A big screen will show the entire race so bring a chair and get comfortable.
"Plus there will be live music, street theatre, pump bike trail and competitions, all designed to make it a tremendous day out for residents and visitors alike. “The race departure is the start of a journey for everyone.
"The Heart of Helmsley project will support grassroots projects and fittingly one of these is the move to create a scenic cycle and multi-user trail on the old Helmsley railway line.”
Tour of Britain workers will start erecting barriers around Market Square on the evening of Friday September 4.
Car parking will re-open once the Heart of Helmsley event finishes at 3.30pm on September 5.
There will also be some short term or rolling closures in nearby roads.
Carolyn Frank of Libby Butler Jewellers in Helmsley, who helped secure Heart of Helmsley funding, added: “Helmsley is famous for its warm welcome and residents and businesses are looking forward to this special fun day with the combined Tour of Britain race and kick off for the Heart of Helmsley project.
"Both show off our vibrant town and community spirit.”