Sir Bradley is ready to join the tour riders

On Saturday, April 30 the second stage of the route along with the women’s race travelling the same route as the men’s for the first time, will pass through the Express area

The route runs from Otley to Doncaster and passes through Knottingley, Pontefract, Wentbridge, South Elmsall and finally Hooton Pagnell.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am very pleased that we are welcoming back this fantastic sporting event into another part of the district.

“This prestigious cycle race is an excellent platform to showcase what we have and bring visitors into the area.”

Last year thousands of people lined the streets to get a glimpse of the cyclists riding past attracting tourism to the districts involved.

A number of well known cyclists will be riding in this year’s race including Sir Bradley Wiggins and last year’s winner Lars Petter Nordhaug.

Also on the day There will be a ‘Celebration Hub’ behind Knottingley Sports Centre with activities for people of all ages including face painting and a BMX stunt display.

At South Elmsall Market, the Cycle Forum will be promoting the new cycle maps and local rides. Wakefield Council’s Sports and Active Lifestyles Team will be hosting stationary cycling challenges and running competitions and activities throughout the day, with prizes to give away.

The Tour de Yorkshire, organised by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation, first took place last July after the success of the Yorkshire Grand Depart.

The women’s race is expected to arrive in Knottingley not long before 10am and the men’s will arrive around 4pm.

The route will consist of rolling road closures on Saturday and will cause disruption for around 50 minutes in Pontefract town centre.

Wakefield Council has said that anyone travelling in the area should expect disruption and plan their journeys.

More information is available at Wakefield Council’s dedicated Tour de Yorkshire microsite www.wakefield.gov.uk/tdy