Yorkshire is a real tour de force in next year's Tour de France. Cyclists from around the world will set off from Leeds before heading into the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales passing through a host of picturesque towns and villages, including Masham, before heading down to London and then onto France where the race begins in earnest.

 “The routes of the Grand Départ will showcase some of Yorkshire’s iconic cycling climbs and the county’s stunning land and cityscapes. The peloton will be technically tested as they tackle some challenging terrain in what are sure to be two exhilarating days of racing in the county, " said a proud Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity.

Masham features in the first stage of the prestigious sporting event. The peloton will also pass through the nearby towns and villages of Leyburn, Middleham, East Witton and West Tanfield, en route for Ripon, before finishing the day's racing in the spa town of Harrogate.

The Grand Depart, as it is known, is to take place over the weekend of July 5th and 6th 2014. The first stage, which includes Masham, covers some 190km with the second stage from York to Sheffield sees riders notching up a further 200km.

For more information visit letour.yorkshire.com