Tour de Yorkshire: Starting gun sounds on mass amateur ride

The ride, organised by Tour de France owners Amaury Sports Organisation, Human Race and Welcome to Yorkshire, takes amateur riders from the rugged rocky headland and colourful seaside traditions of the South Bay, to the bright beach huts of the award-winning sandy North Bay in Scarborough.

The sportive takes place on Sunday, May 1, the final day of the second Tour de Yorkshire, and riders can choose from three distances: the long route: 119km, medium route: 85km and the short route: 40km.

There will be a number of iconic climbs with a total elevation of 1,620 metres on the long route, 1,312m on the medium and 553m on the short.

Huge crowds are expected to return to Scarborough to watch the climax of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride offers participants a beautiful landscape, a real sporting challenge and the chance to cross the same finish line as the pro racers, and I’m sure it will be an unforgettable day.

“I’d encourage riders to take the opportunity to make the most of Yorkshire’s beautiful coast and moors and stay for a few days –there really is something for everyone in this area of the county.”

The ride includes mechanical support just like the professionals receive, medical support, energy products at fully stocked feed stations, electronic chip timing, an immediate result text and a finisher’s medal.

Guaranteed entry places are now closed, and all those who entered the ballot will have been notified. General entry places are now available, at 2015 prices.

Former Tour de France stage winner David Millar is one of the ambassadors for the Maserati Ride. Full details and how to enter can be found here: www.letouryorkshire.com/sportive