10 years since the Grand Départ in Yorkshire
Hundreds of cyclists are set to hit the streets this weekend to mark the anniversary
If you walk out and about in Leeds City Centre, you can still see the marks on the road - but 2024 marks a decade since the Grand Départ in Yorkshire, which set off that year's Tour de France.
This weekend, hundreds of cyclists are set to hit the streets, as we mark a decade since that iconic moment in Yorkshire cycling life.
Back in 2014, Part 1 of the route set off from Leeds before winding its way to Harrogate, followed by Part 2, which saw the cyclists taking to the streets of Yorkshire once again, setting of from York before finally arriving in Sheffield.
This was the fourth Tour to contain stages in the UK, following previous dates being hosted here in 1974, 1994 and 2007.
A decade on, the The Legacy Ride will be raising cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity, as work on the Rob Burrow Centre continues.
Read more: Date confirmed for Rob Burrow's funeral
The mass participation event gets going on Sunday (July 7), with organisers this week confirming more than 500 people have signed up to take part.
For those getting out onto the streets, the amateur cyclists will follow much of the 2014 route as they head for the heart of the Yorkshire Dales from a starting point in Leeds’s Roundhay Park.
On Saturday, City Square in Leeds will also host a separate programme of cycling-themes activities - hoped to 'stir memories for many' of the amazing scenes following the event which took place here in Yorkshire just a decade ago.
It's estimated 230,000 people flocked to Leeds city centre for the start of the race, whilst a UK Sport and council report showed the Grand Depart boosted Yorkshire’s economy by more than £100m, with further long-term benefits predicted as a result of increased tourism, profile and trade deals.
'It's hard to believe 10 years have passed'
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the Tour de France Grand Depart came to Leeds and Yorkshire.
“That unforgettable weekend was a magical moment in time for city and county alike, so I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to celebrate its anniversary in style.
“Saturday’s event in City Square and Sunday’s Legacy Ride will, between them, underline the huge local popularity of cycling. It promises to be a great couple of days.”
Matt Mannakee, director and co-founder of Struggle Events, said: “Summer is here and with it we’ve noticed more cyclists pulling their bikes out of the garage so they can enjoy our fantastic countryside while travelling on two wheels.
“We’ve also seen a final surge of entries for our Legacy Ride. There aren’t many places left, so if you’re keen to take part then sign up today.”
Ben Davison, founder and director of Axiologik, said: “Legacy Ride is now just a few days away and there’s lots of buzz in the community about the event.
“People remember with great fondness the Tour de France being in our region and, following the sad death of Rob Burrow, it’s especially poignant that the event is raising money for MND-related causes.
“There’s still time to join the hundreds of others supporting this great event and such brilliant causes.”
The Legacy Ride will feature three route options – 230km, 120km and 70km, starting and finishing in Roundhay Park.
You can find out more about the Legacy Ride here.