Tour de France 'Graffiti' in Sheffield Turned in to Street Art
Messages sprayed on to roads in Sheffield by people for the Tour De France have now been turned in to street art.
Messages sprayed on to roads around South Yorkshire to celebrate the Tour De France last summer are now here to stay.
People used chalk and paint to put the phrases around Sheffield including 'Ey Up Tour De France' and 'It's only pain'.
Some of them have now been made into permanent pieces of street art along with markers on the four biggest climbs at Bradfield, Midhopestones, Oughtibridge and Jenkin road.
Councillor Leigh Bramall is the deputy leader of the city council.
He said:
**
"I think it is absolutely crucial that the excitement and inspiration generated by the Tour in Sheffield last year is preserved for future generations.
- *
"More than 380,000 people lined the streets of Sheffield to watch the race, and our city was showcased on television to more than 18.6 million people worldwide. A post-event survey showed that three quarters of spectators would recommend Sheffield as a tourist destination to family and friends. This sort of enthusiasm is exactly what we need to capture and remember.
- *
"We hope that this street art, together with the stone celebration markers, will cement a long-term legacy of increased cycling participation, attract cyclists and visitors to the city, and remind those who see them of the glorious Grand Depart."
- *
Glenn Thornley designed the markers - he's also a keen cyclist.
He said:
**
"Having the Tour De France come to your home town is a little bit like finding out that the World Cup final will be played in your local park. Being able to ride on the same roads as your cycling heroes is like being let loose for a kick-a-bout on Wembley's hallowed turf.
- *
"Eleven Design are proud to be involved in a project that celebrates a very special day in our city's sporting history and paves the way for future generations of cyclists to explore our city, find these iconic routes and test themselves on our lung-bursting climbs."
- *
Rob Allen, Business Director for Amey in Sheffield, said:
**
"We were heavily involved with the preparations for the Tour de France last year, ensuring that the route was suitable and safe for riders and getting the city ready for the volume of visitors to the event. We also cleaned up afterwards.
- *
"The Tour de France was a fantastic event for Sheffield and we’re really proud to continue our support and be involved in this celebratory project.
- *
"The stone markers and street art will be in the city for years to come, acting as a reminder of last year’s successful event."
- *
The street art project is part of a wider programme to promote Sheffield as the UK’s Outdoor City which it's hoped will help boost visitor numbers.