New Mackenzie Thorpe artwork unveiled to promote Tour de Yorkshire 2019

Four new works of art have been unveiled by the Yorkshire-based artist Mackenzie Thorpe, as part of celebrations for this year's Tour de Yorkshire.

Mr Thorpe is the official artist for the cycling competition, which runs from 2 to 5 May, and is one of the country's best-selling painters.

He said he "wanted to create a collection which also reflected the broader impact the race has on people".

The artist explained the latter two works, 'Riding with Grandad' and ‘The Boy Without a Bike’, as capturing the "sheer spectacle and impact" the race has on residents.

"['The Boy Without a Bike' shows a] lone child standing watching the racers speed past and dreaming of the day that he too might ride like the wind on a bicycle all of his own.

"This is what the race is all about for me."

The works were unveiled today at the Arthaus Gallery, in Richmond, at an event attended by Sir Gary Verity.

He said: "This new and stunning collection will promote the beauty of Yorkshire and the spirt of the Tour de Yorkshire to a massive audience.”

Yorkshire Coast

Hotter than the sun in summer / along the coast /sky and sea merge / The race is on!

Over Moor and Dale

They ride against the sky / down into the vale / through a land of so much beauty /and like a steam train / they pass us by.

Riding with Grandad

With his hand on my shoulder /and a word in my ear / I felt no fear / as his hand slipped away.

The Boy Without a Bike

In my dreamsI ride / Faster than light / Quicker than the wind /Over hill and dale.