THE second stage of the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire will finish in Bedale, organisers have revealed.

The full route for next year's race has been unveiled by race organisers at a press conference in Leeds this morning.

The Northern Echo:

Pictures: Tour de Yorkshire

The 132km second stage, which starts in Barnsley on May 3, will take a loop of the Harrogate circuit, which will be used as part of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, and will pass through Ripon before a sprint finish into Bedale.

The Northern Echo:

The fourth stage, on May 5, will also pass through Middleham and Masham, during its route from Halifax to Leeds.

The Northern Echo:

Stage one will run from Doncaster to Selby, and the third stage will run from Bridlington to Scarborough.

British champion Connor Swift, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Tanfield and Team Sky rider Chris Lawless were among the many professional riders in attendance along with a host of cycling legends such as Brian Robinson, Mandy Bishop and Denise Burton-Cole, as the 2019 route was revealed.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

Organisers revealed earlier this year the 2019 race has been upgraded to HC status by cycling’s world governing body – the highest category possible for a multi-day race outside of the UCI World Tour.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We’re blessed with such a diversity of landscapes here in Yorkshire to create such challenging and exciting routes and we wanted the parcours to reflect that, showcasing the county in all its glory.

"There’s something for everyone; the sprinters will get their chance to shine while the classics specialists and climbers will also have opportunities to make their mark. 

“With the UCI Road World Championships also taking place in Yorkshire next year, we’re expecting our strongest-ever field.

"This will be the only chance the riders get to sample the Harrogate circuit under race conditions before it, and the only chance they get to ride up Parliament Street against the usual flow of traffic. 

“I’m also proud that we’re continuing to lead the way when it comes to promoting women’s cycling.

"Changing the start of the women’s race from Thursday to Friday should guarantee greater exposure and the routes for the two stages are now exactly the same as the men’s. That means there’s over 1,000m more cumulative climbing than last year and we’ll be in for some enthralling racing.”

Christian Prudhomme, ASO’s Tour de France Director, said: “Once again, the team at Welcome to Yorkshire have done a tremendous job in designing such a beautiful, challenging and varied route and I am looking forward to seeing how both races play out.

"Including the Harrogate circuit gives the race an added dimension next year and we want The Yorkshire Classic stage of the men’s race to become one of the most anticipated dates on the professional cycling calendar.”