KEIGHLEY district will again star on the international stage when another top cycling race comes to town.

Hundreds of leading cyclists will pass through the area as part of the Tour de Yorkshire next spring.

The news was welcomed this week by sportspeople and community leaders, who hailed it as a major boost for the district.

The Keighley leg is incorporated in the third and final day of the Tour, on April 30.

Organisers say the stage, labelled the Yorkshire Terrier, is the toughest in the event's history.

It will enter this area at Kildwick and Farnhill before heading to Silsden, where the first of the stage's eight categorised climbs – named Côte de Silsden – takes place.

Competitors will then race over the tops and down into Riddlesden, through Keighley town centre and up to Cross Roads.

Next, the cyclists tackle the iconic stone setts of Haworth Main Street and take in the Côte de Haworth climb.

After a brief visit to Oxenhope, there will be another climb – Côte de Leeming – before the race moves on towards Queensbury.

Steeton road racing legend Sid Barras said the route announcement – made at a press conference in Bradford, where the third stage will start – was "terrific" news for the area.

"It's a cracking route and unbelievable for us in Keighley – taking in so many parts of the town and surrounding area," said Mr Barras, of Whitley Head, a four-times British cycling champion.

"On the back of the Tour de France two years ago and the last Tour de Yorkshire in 2015, it's a massive deal for the region.

"It puts the area in the world spotlight but also it encourages people – especially youngsters – to take up cycling, which is fantastic."

Steve Seymour, manager of Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre, also welcomed the news.

"It's great that the stage is starting in Bradford and coming through Keighley and the climbs will provide a real challenge to the cyclists," he said.

"We also have the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, which – considering road closures that will be in place – will provide a real boost for spectators wanting to travel up the valley.

"This area will be a good hub for the event."

The delight is shared by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

"I was speaking to residents in Cross Roads the day after the route was announced and there was a sense of real excitement about the race coming through," he said.

"The Tour de France was a huge success because communities got together and created memories that will last for a lifetime.

"I have no doubt that the same will happen again with the Tour de Yorkshire, alongside the many other benefits the event will bring including a major boost in visitor numbers."

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity, who was credited with bringing the Tour de France Grand Depart to the county, told the packed launch press conference the third stage would be "very interesting".

"It will be something people in the world of cycling talk about for decades to come," he said.

And speaking at the event, Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: "When other races have passed through the district in the past, people have asked why they can't start it in the city centre, so I'm delighted we've finally managed to achieve that. Today was a taste of the excitement there will be when the race comes."

The 194.5km stage will start in City Park and the cyclists will ride through Saltaire, Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, Addingham and Skipton before arriving in Kildwick and Farnhill. The race will end at Sheffield.

There will also be an Asda Tour de Yorkshire women's race, on the same route as stage two of the men's event. The £50,000 prize pot is one of the largest in the sport.

Sir Gary added: "It gives me a great sense of pride that we are leading the way in championing women's cycling.

"This race is one of the most lucrative in the sport, attracting the best teams and riders from across the globe. And the challenging course will provide a real test of ability in front of massive crowds."