COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed news that the Tour de Yorkshire will once again include the Worth Valley and South Craven.

Competitors in the acclaimed cycle race will follow a route which takes in Leeming, Haworth Main Street, Oakworth – featuring an opening intermediate sprint – and the Côte de Goose Eye, the first of seven categorised climbs.

The cyclists will then go through Sutton and Cross Hills.

The section is part of stage four of the men's race, covering nearly 180 kilometres between Halifax and Leeds, on Sunday, May 3.

Councillor David Mahon – chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council – said he was delighted at the area's inclusion once again.

"As Bradford keeps saying, Haworth is the jewel in its crown – and this is a chance for that jewel to shine," he said.

"The race brings people into the village and showcases to them – and a worldwide TV audience – its outstanding qualities."

Keighley town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, is pleased to see the route also encompass part of the town council's area – including his own ward, Oakworth.

"The Tour does help spotlight the area and I'm pleased it is coming through," he said.

"If the race continues in the future, which I hope it will, it would be good to see it take in more of Keighley itself. When the Tour de France Grand Depart came through the town it was hugely popular."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, was also delighted at the route announcement.

She added: "I’m sure that people from across the district and in local communities will join in the celebrations, line the route and give a warm welcome to this prestigious cycle race."

Full routes for this year's Tour de Yorkshire and Asda Tour de Yorkshire women’s race were unveiled at an event in Leeds Civic Hall last Friday.

Among those present were new Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive James Mason and the Amaury Sport Organisation’s Tour de France director, Christian Prudhomme.

The sixth edition of the men’s race takes place between April 30 and May 3 and it will form part of the inaugural UCI ProSeries.

The women’s race is on May 1 and 2.

The routes have been described by organisers as "the toughest in the history of the race" and feature more climbing than ever before.

Mr Mason said: "Many of our county’s iconic climbs are included. We’re lucky to have such a diversity of landscapes here in Yorkshire and these races will have something for every rider. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure we’re in for some exciting action.”