Kirklees businesses are being invited to a series of Tour de Yorkshire roadshows as the county gears up to host the inaugural new international cycle race.

The roadshows, run by tourism group Welcome to Yorkshire and local authorities, will give simple and direct information, facts and advice on how businesses can make the most of the world-class event.

They will also give advice about brand guidelines and key “do’s and don’ts”.

The Holme, Colne and Dearne valleys are all set to feature in the route of the first Tour de Yorkshire at the beginning of May. It will pass through Huddersfield on Sunday, May 3.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We saw a huge appetite for all things Yorkshire last year when we hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.

“This new race will bring back some of the world’s best teams

“This means spectators from far and wide and the most fantastic advert our county can wish for – global television coverage.

“The roadshows will help businesses prepare in the run up to the event, race days themselves and of course long into the future as we establish Yorkshire as Europe’s number one cycling destination.”

Businesses have been overwhelmingly positive in signing up to the roadshows which highlight what it will mean to them and their communities, both on and off the route.

A recent economic impact study of the Tour de France showed that more than £100m was generated for the Yorkshire economy.

The new race, taking place over three days and encompassing over 500km of Yorkshire roads, from the coast to cities and from moors to market towns, offers a significant geographical spread for tourists and visitors to choose from.

The nature of the route chosen for the race means cycling fans old and new will find dramatic backdrops, tough climbs and Yorkshire landmarks in which to enjoy the race.

The roadshows confirmed so far include one to be held today at Bolster Moor and on Thursday at Holmfirth. Others to be held in February include ones at North York Moors National Park, Whitby, Market Weighton, Bridlington Spa and Beverley Racecourse.

Roadshows will also be held on March 19 at Hebden Bridge and on March 31 at Ripponden. Other roadshows in March include ones at at Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby.

Roadshows are being planned for other key towns along the route such as Leeds and Wakefield and details will be announced shortly.

For more information about the Tour roadshows, extra events as they’re added and how to register go to http://letour.yorkshire.com/roadshows