The UCI, world cycling’s governing body, has confirmed the men’s Tour de Yorkshire race will grow from three to four days next year, with the women’s race increasing from one to two days. The 2018 men’s race will take place from 3-6 May – Thursday to Sunday – with the women’s race scheduled for 3 and 4 May. Since that first edition – which built on Yorkshire’s successful hosting of the start of the 2014 Tour de France – the races have grown in popularity with the first women’s event taking place last year. In a statement, Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive, Sir Gary Verity, thanked British Cycling for backing the bid for a longer race, and the UCI for granting it. The Belgian rider Serge Pauwels won this year’s men’s race, with the local favourite Lizzie Deignan taking the women’s prize.

Source: The Local September 21, 2017 09:23 UTC