CYCLING fans were given the opportunity to get their hands on the Tour de Yorkshire trophy during a whistle-stop tour of Middlesbrough.

The handmade gold and silver trophy visited the Cleveland Centre, mima, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum and Middlesbrough Sports Village, giving schools and local communities a chance to see it up close and get a souvenir picture.

Some of leading names in world cycling will be battling to see their name engraved on the gold and silver award when the race gets underway on Friday, April 29.

Organisers are predicting that the overall winner will still to be decided when the peloton rolls out of Middlesbrough for the 198km final stage on Sunday, May 1.

Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “It was great to welcome the trophy to Middlesbrough, and it’s really brought home to people just what a fantastic event the town is playing host to.

“There’s a real sense of excitement as the big day approaches, and I know the Tour can expect a true Middlesbrough welcome and a rousing send-off.”