Welcome to Yorkshire has selected international artist Mackenzie Thorpe as the official artist for the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire. Mackenzie, who has strong connections with Yorkshire, has already started working on a unique collection of images in which he aims to capture and celebrate both the race and ‘our inspirational county’. The collection will be released prior to the tour start and Mackenzie is planning on exhibiting the specially created images in galleries across the world.

Mackenzie’s work is rooted in authenticity, packed with emotional expression and speaks of hope, love, struggle and challenge – values which align perfectly with the spirit of Tour de Yorkshire.

Over a number of years, bicycles have held a powerful position in Mackenzie’s artwork and his established collections of cycling images resonate with cycling enthusiasts around the world. Symbolic of challenge, fun, work, industry, joy, togetherness, they provide an insightful commentary on life and experience.

Speaking about his appointment as the official artist for Tour de Yorkshire in 2019, Mackenzie Thorpe said: “The Tour de Yorkshire is a fantastic showcase event for the whole of Yorkshire. We have the most stunningly glorious scenery; for me there is nothing like the contrasting vistas of hills, dales and moorland, additionally we have the most fantastic coastline and our villages, towns, cities are steeped in a rich history.

“I want to reach out to new people through the works I’m creating for the Tour de Yorkshire and bring people with us to this wonderful event that shows off the best of our county to the rest of the world.”

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “I have long been an admirer of Mackenzie’s bold and imaginative work. He is a hugely renowned artist with a world-wide following and we’re incredibly proud that he hails from Yorkshire. I’m looking forward to seeing his Tour de Yorkshire-themed creations for everyone to enjoy.”

The official Tour de Yorkshire website can be found at www.letouryorkshire.com