A TEAM of young cyclists have been selected to ride in the Grand Depart tomorrow.

Some of the riders, including youths from Clifton Cycling Club, will take part as part of the Les Cadets Juniors scheme, and have been recognised for their work volunteering in cycling programmes.

Esther Farnell, 17, Elizabeth Wardale, 17, Eugene Cross, 15, Joey Walker, 16, Brandon Stock, 17, and Jack Harrison, 17, all ride for Clifton Cycling Club, and will join other young cyclists from Sheffield and the Midlands, to ride out with the publicity caravan from York Racecourse on Sunday.

Julie Harrison, Jack's mother, said she would be watching from York, and her husband would be travelling to Sheffield to see Jack arrive with the group.

She said: "Obviously, I'm extremely excited and proud and for him it's the most fantastic opportunity he can imagine, just to experience the atmosphere and what it's like to be a Tour rider."

Also taking part will be Manor CE Academy student Rory Oliver, 16, who completed his GCSEs last month. Rory has ambitions to be a professional cyclist and is preparing for his high profile appearance with a duathlon – running and cycling – with a friend in France. He celebrated the end of his GCSEs with an 18-mile cycle ride to “clear his head”.

He said: “I love cycling, I love the Tour de France – this is a brilliant opportunity."

He has been a member of the 400-strong Clifton club for 18 months.