Shake, rattle and roll! Tour de Yorkshire cyclists to tackle Micklegate cobbles

Some of the world’s best cyclists and their priceless machines will be set a stern test this summer – the cobbles of Micklegate hill.

The teeth-rattling challenge is part of the route of the new race, a follow-up to last year’s Tour de France triumph, has been revealed.

Taking place over three days – May 1-3, 2015 – the race hits York on the middle Saturday, May 2.

The stage will start at 11.20am outside Selby Abbey.

After an 8km procession, the race proper begins on the A163 outside Selby at 11.45am.

On their journey to York riders will pass through towns and villages, at these approximate times:

Twice round York

The cyclists are due to pile into York at about 2.35pm.

Entering via Murton, the riders take on two and half laps of a 20km finishing circuit, around the city from the Racecourse and out to Murton, with the finish on Knavesmire Road expected to be between 3.30 and 4pm.

They go along these streets:

A professional women’s race will cover five laps of the same 20km finishing circuit in the morning, with the race starting at 11am at Knavesmire Road. This will give people another great chance to see world class cycling in York.

Tony Clarke, York council’s head of transport, said that residents should prepare for some disruption that weekend.

The route will be closed from 8am on Saturday, May 2 until approximately 5pm, or as soon as possible after the race has finished.

That will mean no access by car to homes or businesses on or close to the route.

So anyone who is planning to travel that day will need to ensure that they have parked their vehicle outside of the cycle zone.