Competitor's in Britain's biggest international cycle race will dash into the streets of York on Bank Holiday Monday.

And while the Prutour '98 will undoubtedly put York on the cycling map, Bank Holiday motorists already fuming at the expected traffic delays are unlikely to be grateful.

The City of York Council says it is keen to accommodate the prestigious event while avoiding traffic chaos on the roads - and has closed some streets around the finishing line.

A half-mile stretch of the Malton Road between Straylands and Stockton Lane will be closed between 8am and 6pm.

And both Straylands and Woodlands Groves will be closed to through traffic during the same period.

Temporary closures of up to 20 minutes will also be made between 1.45pm and 3.15pm along the race route which takes in the outer ring road, Strensall Road, North Moor Road, Huntington New Lane and the Malton Road finish.

The council is recommending motorists should avoid the Malton Road and the finish area where the largest disruptions will occur especially between 2.15 and 2.45pm when the first cyclist is due to go over the line.

The international cycling stars will have been in the saddle for two days by the time they reach York at the end of the race's second stage.

The riders, including national Olympic teams, elite international teams and major stars from the Tour de France, will be sprinting for the finish line after riding 112 miles that day.

John Coombs, the council's outdoor events officer, said: "We are delighted that York has been chosen as one of the few select venues to host a stage of this exciting sporting event, which will give residents the chance to see some of the world's best riders in action.

"I am also sure those coming along to the finish area will thoroughly enjoy the varied pre-race programme of events.

"We have aimed to minimise disturbance to residents and traffic by distributing advice and information to local households.

"We hope people will understand that it's not possible to hold such a major event without some changes to normal routine and recognise the prestige brought to our fine city."

Special services have been laid on for race spectators with free shuttle buses running from stops near Foss Bank, Monk Bar and Union Terrace car parks to the finish.

On-site car parking will also be available off Stockton Lane, but space will be limited and the police will prohibit parking in the surrounding streets. The car park opens at 11.25am.

The nine-day tour will take the cyclists from Stirling to London where the race reaches its climax on May 31.

For more information call (01904) 553410 for a 24-hour recorded message or (01904) 553365 during office hours to talk to Peter Storrie. <!C-#include virtual="/ep/newsfooter.html"

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