YORK residents can enjoy free seats for live screenings of the Tour de France after it was announced three extra spectator hubs will be created for the event.

All 20,000 tickets for the first entertainment centre at York Racecourse were snapped up earlier this year.

So three more are to be laid on at Monk Stray, York Designer Outlet, and Rowntree Park for fans to soak up the atmosphere on Sunday July 6.

All will host large screens of the sporting action and family fun until early evening.

Opening times are 7am at the Racecourse and 8am at other sites.

Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “They will offer the elite cycling action live on screens in a safe, family friendly environment.

“They’ll be relaying the action of the Grand Départ and the second day’s stage across the Pennines and down to Sheffield, so everyone can enjoy this epic occasion.

“Each hub will be hosting some fantastic activities and give residents and visitors yet more options to experience the race.”

Spectators can also line the route of the race then head to the city centre for more activities, or hold their own event.

The new hubs all include a fair. At the southern tip of Monk Stray, will be a cycle stunt show, cycle decorating, storytelling, and live acts such as Military Wives.

Cycle retailers will advise on the best bikes and offer services and repairs. At York Designer Outlet, attractions include vintage stalls.

Rowntree Park will offer side shows, stalls, music, and all day food and soft drinks, plus an afternoon family film.

Everyone will be encouraged to saddle up for cycling and fitness opportunities.

No tickets are required. Cycle parking is available.

For further information visit www.york.gov.uk/tourdefrance or www.experiencetherace.com

As the countdown to the main event continues, Tang Hall is hosting its own Tour de Tang Hall event on June 15 involving a circular route around the area’s green space.

It can be completed by foot or cycle and there will be fun for all the family at stop off points in Hull Park Road, Tang Hall, and Derwenthorpe.