CYCLING fans in Wharfedale, Aireborough and Horsforth are being invited to play a key role in this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

The race’s organisers, Welcome to Yorkshire, has launched a recruitment drive for the volunteer Tour Makers who help ensure that the annual event runs smoothly.

This year’s Tour will take place from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3 with the Men’s final stage, from Halifax to Leeds, passing through local towns and villages including Blubberhouses, Askwith, Ilkley, Menston and Otley.

Tour Makers are needed to assist all along the route - the other stages are Beverley to Redcar, Barnsley to Huddersfield, and Skipton to Leyburn - by providing a warm welcome to the millions of spectators who are expected.

Dressed in high visibility kits, they are also there to provide information, answer questions and help everything go as safely as possible.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s Chief Executive, James Mason, said: “I met some of our Tour Makers at our recent route presentation and they are such a friendly, energetic and welcoming bunch of people.

“Over the last five editions of the Tour we’ve built a brilliant team but are always looking to recruit more new faces into the fold - especially with nine new roles on offer this year.

“Tour Makers play an absolutely vital role in helping the Tour run as smoothly as it does.

“We’re grateful to every single one of them for the tremendous work they do and their attitude and enthusiasm is second to none.

“It’s quick and easy to register your interest and by becoming a Tour Maker you’ll learn some new skills, meet new people, and become part of this keen and close-knit community.”

More than 1,000 Tour Maker spaces are available this year with the new roles on offer including support with medal ceremonies, transport and accreditation.

Sky Bet is once again be sponsoring the Tour Makers and providing them with their eye-catching kit.

Sky Betting & Gaming’s MD People and Culture, Karen Tyrrell, said: “Our support, now in its third year, saw over a thousand sets of all-weather hi-vis kit provided to last year’s Tour Makers.

“We’re looking forward to once again supporting a group of volunteers who play a pivotal role in helping millions of spectators enjoy one of the best events in the Yorkshire sporting calendar.”

To find out more and register your interest visit letouryorkshire.com/tourmakers.