AN artist inspired by the speed and fanfare of cycle racing is opening two special exhibitions to coincide with the Tour de Yorkshire later this month.

Bill Oakey, of Northallerton, said that depicting cyclists in a literal or more ‘arty-farty’ way has become something of a passion in recent years.

He has previously held exhibitions during the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France periods and has been busy at the easel again to continue the tradition.

This has culminated in two exhibitions at venues along the Tour de Yorkshire route; at the Westgate Fine Art Gallery in Ripon and at Chevin Cycles in Harrogate.

The Ripon exhibition runs from April 22 to May 6, while the Harrogate work can be seen from April 14 to May 13.

Mr Oakey said the sight of cyclists racing past at 50mph inspired him to create what he described as some ‘arty-farty’ pieces depicting the cyclists in colourful blurred tones.

He admitted that painting cyclists had ‘become a bit of an obsession’ and he is looking forward to his work being a part of the Tour de Yorkshire occasion.

He said: “I like quite a lot of sport, but the cycling does really inspire.

“It is wonderful to be part of the event.

“When I watched the Tour de France cyclists race through Leyburn – and to see about 10,000 people in the town when there’s normally around ten – was just absolutely brilliant.

“It was hot and sunny and brilliant and I like to get involved in the event.”

Mr Oakey is a self-taught painter and has exhibited across the Dales and beyond.

The 70-year-old previously ran his own gallery in West Burton and a shop in Leyburn and although technically retired, he devotes all his energies to painting full-time.

He said that he has been preparing work for his latest exhibition since the last Tour de Yorkshire in April 2016.

This year’s event will take to the region’s roads from April 28 to 30 and is expected to attract thousands to the region once again.

The race takes place over three stages, starting from Bridlington on April 28 travelling across East Yorkshire and up through Malton, Pickering and Goathland to finish at Scarborough.

The second stage will see the peloton travel from Tadcaster to Harrogate, with a loop that takes in Ripon, Masham and Pateley Bridge.

South Yorkshire sees most of the action on the final day, with a 195km route from Bradford to Sheffield that loops up to North Yorkshire, passing through Bolton Abbey and Skipton.