MP demands answers over Halifax's Tour de Yorkshire 2017 axing

The peloton of the Tour de Yorkshire make their way through the crowds on the Cow and Calf in Ilkley on Stage 3. TJ100823i Picture by Tony Johnson

Organisers Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have revealed the chosen towns which will see the three-day men’s race held from Friday April 28 to Sunday April 30. The women’s race will be held on Saturday April 29.

Racing for the third edition will begin or end in Bradford, Bridlington, Fox Valley (Sheffield), Harrogate, Scarborough and Tadcaster.

However, organisers confirmed in October 2015 that Calderdale and Halifax would be among the cities and town to host the 2017 cycle race.

Commenting on the decision to axe Halifax from the Tour de Yorkshire route Holly Lynch MP said: “This is a huge disappointment given the assurances that Halifax would host this major event.

“I have written to organisers asking for a full explanation and urging them to reconsider their decision.”

The second Tour de Yorkshire took place earlier this year and achieved significant growth on the back of an impressive debut in 2015.

The number of roadside spectators increased from 1.5 to 2 million and the race attracted 11.4 million global TV viewers, up from 6 million in 2015.

The event also boosted the local economy by £60 million and 2017 promises to continue that trend following the news that Yorkshire will host the UCI Road World Championships in 2019.

The full 2017 race route will be unveiled in December 2016 – this announcement will include exact start and finish locations and the distance and profile of the race.