After almost two years of planning, Yorkshire is about to welcome the world’s third largest sporting event to the “broad acres”.

In less than two week’s time the Grand Départ of the Tour de France starts from Leeds on Saturday 5th July and enthusiasts and spectators from around the world are set to descend on Yorkshire to see the world’s greatest cycle race set off on the first of two stages that will take in some of the county’s finest scenery and some of its most demanding terrain.

The statistics are quite staggering with twelve million spectators of all ages expected to line the entire route over the three weeks durationof the Tour.

They will watch the famed publicity caravan and cheer on the 198 cyclists from twenty-two teams, joined by the 2,000 journalists and photographers who cover the Tour de France, plus an estimated TV audience of three billion across 190 countries and covered by 85 TV channels worldwide.

The Caravan itself is a terrific spectacle and a great family attraction. A procession of 180 elaborate floats and vehicles precedes the racing action.

The caravan sets off two hours before the start of the race and takes 40 minutes to pass. Publicity material including caps, badges, plastic bags are thrown to the crowds as the caravan passes by as a great way to catch yourself a souvenir of Le Tour.

Human Kinetics Europe is based in the city of Leeds and Louise Addison, HKE’s Sales and Events manager will be part of a volunteer army of thousands of “Tourmakers”, whose job it will be to ensure everyone has a great experience.

If you are planning to come and see this great spectacle there is a wealth of information on routes, timings, best vieweing points, what to see , where to stay etc on the Welcome to Yorkshire website.

We look forward to welcoming you.