Cycling: Mark Cavendish set to ride 2018 Tour de Yorkshire while Peter Sagan's crash case is finally resolved

The British sprinter has revealed his intention to take part in the event for the first time, while the incident between the sprinter and Peter Sagan at the Tour de France has finally been settled

Mark Cavendish has announced his intention to compete in the 2018 edition (Getty )

Mark Cavendish has said he wants to race in the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire, as organisers revealed a four-stage route for the first time.

The Tour de Yorkshire was created as a legacy event following the Tour de France's hugely successful Grand Depart which captivated Yorkshire in 2014.

The 32-year-old sprinter was at the launch of the race in Halifax on Tuesday and although he could not confirm his place, he said was determined to compete for the first time in the race's short history.

"I would have been here this year but I was at home watching with glandular fever," he said.

"It was incredible to see our guys win on the final stage and Lizzie [Deignan] smash it in to Harrogate. I wanted to be there.

"Hopefully I don’t get get glandular fever again and I’ll try to be on the start line in Yorkshire. I wouldn’t be here if I did not intend to race."

The 2018 edition will begin in Beverley in East Yorkshire, and take in Doncaster, Scarborough and Ilkley before the final stage from Halifax to the heart of Leeds, with the city centre to be closed off for the peloton's arrival.

Significantly, the race has been extended from the three-day event in 2017. There will also be a women's race on the morning of the first two days over a similar route, extended from a solitary stage this year.

Gary Verity, head of the organising committee, said: "Getting the fourth day is a major thing for us. It gives it a balance for the men's race with two flat stages and two stages for attackers, allowing us to attract different riders."

Meanwhile, Peter Sagan's dispute with the UCI following his crash with Cavendish during the Tour de France in July has been resolved.

Sagan was disqualified after the incident, which ended the British rider's participation in the tour, and the case was due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) on 5 December.

However, it has now been closed after footage was considered by UCI that was unavailable during the incident.

Cycling's governing body said: "The parties agreed that the crash was an unfortunate and unintentional race incident." It added that a "support commissaire" would be employed to assist with video incidents at major races from next season.