TEESSIDE-based women's team Boompods EDCO NRG are delighted to be taking their place on the Tour de Yorkshire startline.

The team will race in the Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women’s Race on May 3 and 4.

Local rider Jenn Batey said she was absolutely amazed when she was told.

"I was out in Lanzarote training when I got the news and it was just music to my ears," she said.

"It made me feel just that little bit super special. We the Boompods have a chance to shine doing what we love."

Batey said the team was made up of a mix of experience and rising talent.

"Hannah Larbalestier and Rosie Walsh rode the 2017 race, while Ellen McDermott has a lot of European race experience to call on. Sarah Walker is excited to make her debut in race and rising star of the team Rachel Jary gets her chance to shine amongst the best female riders in the world," she said.

On her hopes and aspirations she said: "I hope to be as prepared as possible and blend in with the pros as casually as I can, but deep down it's going to be so exciting I will just try to keep my cool and focus.

"I will be realistic in my aspirations as it will be two very tough days. I hope the sun will shine and I have the chance to put everything I have learnt over my previous races and training into practice with the top ladies."

Batey said it was important for a local team to be represented on such a stage.

"For local teams to gain entry to races such as the Tour de Yorkshire opens so many opportunities for local athletes. I believe it to be a massive inspiration to those around the teams," she said.

"It can really make athletes and coaches step back and think 'yeah, we can do this'.

"My coach often says 'what seems impossible today will soon become your warm up' and I just cant help but think there is now 'no impossible' the way our sport is moving so fast. I see it to be a smooth process for those young riders or those joining the sport at anytime. This was our plan as a team and I feel we are on our way to achieving this."

As for the team going forward?

"This is big news for the team," she said. "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes for this to happen. I feel going forward it will continue to give opportunity and bring consistency to our riders knowing we can build and hold a strong team from local races through to national, special events like Le Tour de Yorkshire and why not even UCI races?

"We have some excellent support from our sponsors, we wish to continue a great bond with them and enjoy riding and racing our bikes."