Anti-fracking campaigners threaten protests along Tour de Yorkshire route

A lone protester during the opening ceremony for the Tour de Yorkshire at Leeds Civic Hall Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/PA Images

Anti-fracking groups from across the region say they are planning mass protests at the Tour de Yorkshire, which begins today.

They object to the big money sponsorship of the world's top cycling team, which was previously known as Team Sky, rebranded as Team Ineos yesterday.

Ineos holds multiple licenses to frack for shale gas throughout Yorkshire – a process that campaigners says fuels climate change.

Friends of the Earth is planning peaceful protests "along the route" of the race, but insists it "[does] not condone any disruption" of the races.

Team Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during a press conference to launch Team Ineos yesterday. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/PA Images

WATCH: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive of Ineos, claims plastics "are essential to modern life".

WATCH: Simon Bowens, of Friends of the Earth, says Ineos "are not welcome in Yorkshire".

WATCH: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive of Ineos, on the prospect of anti-fracking protests