THE long awaited timings for the Grand Depart through North Yorkshire have been revealed by organisers, who say to a million people will be lining the route.

The caravan which heads the world's largest annual sporting event will set off from Leeds on July 5 at 10am with the bikes following on up to two hours later.

They will reach North Yorkshire at 10.46am travelling through the most spectacular scenery in Wensleydale and Swaledale less than an hour later.

Roads across the region are being closed for at least eight hours as the cavalcade snakes its way through.

The areas with the steepest climbs will offer some of the best possibilities of watching the bikes for the longest period of time, so the Buttertubs between Hawes and Muker and Grinton Moor near Leyburn are expected to be favourite viewing spots.

The fastest section will be between Ripon and Harrogate on the flattest part of the route with speeds of up to 60 kilometers an hour.

The finish in Harrogate will be at about 4.20pm.

On July 6 the second stage will set off from York racecourse at about 9.20am travelling through Knaresborough and Harrogate with Blubberhouses a high point before the cyclists leave the county to go south.

For details go to http://letour.yorkshire.com/timings