AN INTENSE cycle tour is to take place this weekend in a North Yorkshire town.

The 2021 Tour Series will open with its first-ever Yorkshire round, taking place in the market town of Guisborough, in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, on Sunday, August 8, just over 800 days on from the conclusion of the 2019 series.

It features a 1.35-kilometre (0.8-mile) course set around a section of the historic market town. The start and finish line on Westgate will be known to many riders, as it is where the East Cleveland Klondike GP one-day race also begins and ends.

A fast start to the lap will take the peloton onto Church Street – and past Guisborough Priory – before a sweeping run through Priory Close.

Expect the battle for position to heat up on Reid Terrace and Westgate Road throughout, but especially on the final lap, as riders seek to be best placed for the 150-metre run to the finish line.

The event timings are as follows: Women’s race – 3pm, women’s podium ceremony – 3:50pm. Men’s race – 4:30pm, men’s podium ceremony – 5:50pm.