YES! The world's greatest cycle race - the Tour de France - is coming to Yorkshire next year! It will start HERE IN YORKSHIRE on 5th and 6th July 2014 bringing millions of fans to the Yorkshire roadside to cheer on the champions of the sport. It comes to Ilkley and Wharfedale on BOTH DAYS, so we really are in the best place to see it!
It will be the first time Le Tour has visited the north of England having previously only made visits to the south coast and the capital. Welcome to Yorkshire (we're members!) are predicting a festival and spectacle for fans and first timers alike and are sure Yorkshire will rise to occasion and give the riders, the teams and the race organisers a Grand Départ to remember. Here are some quotes from them...
"Yorkshire is a world class county and it will deliver a world class event"
"Over 3 billion people watch Le Tour on television every year providing a wonderful advert for our county and hopefully it will prompt people who maybe haven't visited before or not been in a while to book a break to visit"
"This is undoubtedly Yorkshire's opportunity to welcome the world"
With the recent success of British riders, notably Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Briton to win Le Tour in 2012 shortly followed by a gold medal time trial performance in London, the popularity of cycling has never been higher.
A brand new website has been launched by Welcome to Yorkshire. To find out more Click here to take Le Tour!
STOP PRESS: Just one apartment left at Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor for Le Tour weekend - BOOK NOW! We've still got accommodation for the run-up days and we're encouraging aspiring cyclists to come and try the route this summer!
