CYCLISTS are being assured of a huge welcome as a school makes preparations for the Tour de Yorkshire into an art form.

They will be greeted by a huge bicycle, with wheels 26m in diameter, when they speed through the county town of North Yorkshire.

The giant image is being painted on the fields at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College by county council grounds maintenance staff.

The footbridge that joins the east and west sites of the Brompton Road school will also be adorned with giant banners hand painted by students.

The school is creating a carnival-style atmosphere around the arrival of the race, which will bring some of the world’s top riders through the town.

Coming into Northallerton from Stokesley at about 12.30pm on Sunday, May 1, the riders will pass by the school, which is being opened to the public.

The race also coincides with the town's traditional May Fair and Yorkshire teas, outdoor games, a teddy bear’s picnic and commemorative key rings made by students will also be available to raise proceeds for school funds and the school grounds will be open for car parking.

Visitors will be in prime position to see riders as they fly by including world and Olympic champions, world record holders, as well as grand tour winners.

In total, 38 riders on the provisional rider list have ridden in the Tour de France and 25 have taken part in all three Grand Tours.

Sir Bradley Wiggins will celebrate his birthday in Yorkshire as he prepares for the race with his Team Wiggins teammates and last year’s winner, Team Sky’s Lars Petter Nordhaug, will join the event, as well as Pete Kennaugh, current British road champion, and Luke Rowe.

Northallerton School and Sixth Form College associate principal Chris Byrne said: “The Tour de Yorkshire is a true spectacle and we are thrilled that it will pass under our footbridge.

“Students have been inspired by the event and have worked hard to ensure the riders will receive the warmest of welcomes to our town.

“The day promises to be a real carnival and we hope visitors will join us to celebrate in style.”

The Brompton Road site will be open from 8.30am.