CYCLING fans in Otley will get a chance to see the Tour de Yorkshire trophy up close next month.

The Y-shaped prize is to be shown in the town on April 22, as part of a tour it is making ahead of the race itself.

This year's competition will run from April 29 to May 1, with Otley hosting the start of the women's race and the second stage of the men's contest on April 30.

Otley Town Council is still finalising details about where the trophy will be on display, but has confirmed it will be somewhere in the heart of town, so as many people as possible can see it. And Otley will represent the trophy's final, pre-race destination.

The Tour is being run by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation, in association with British Cycling.

A new addition for 2016 will be a women’s race trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of the one-day competition being held before the men's stage on April 30.