Yorkshire Region Welcomes Tour Of Britain
Story posted May 13, 2008
Source: Yorkshire Forward Press Release
Yorkshire and Humber will host a stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race for the fifth consecutive year. The Yorkshire leg, to be held on the 11 September, has a brand new route that takes in some of the best urban and rural landscapes in the region.
The riders in this year’s Yorkshire and Humber leg will start in Hull city centre, following a route that crosses the Humber Bridge, loops into North Lincolnshire, recrosses the Humber Bridge, into the East Riding of Yorkshire, then follows a coastal path before finishing in the Dalby Forest in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
A Spanish win in Bradford (West Yorkshire) last year.
The Yorkshire stage is often seen as the most rewarding and competitive stage by the riders and spectators, ensuring that the race has become a popular fixture in the region’s sporting calendar - bringing visitors to the region and providing an exciting day out for young and old.
Neil Jenkinson, Head of Culture and Major Events for Yorkshire Forward, commenting on behalf of the regional partners, Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board and Yorkshire culture said: “I am delighted that the region is hosting the Tour of Britain once again – in addition to bringing cycling enthusiasts to the region, the event offers an excellent opportunity for people to ‘get on their bikes’ and enjoy the region’s cities and open spaces whilst raising their fitness levels.
“Yorkshire Forward, together with its partners across Yorkshire and Humber, has a clear goal to attract more major events to the region by demonstrating its ability to host major sporting events. The Tour of Britain has been one of our biggest successes, and we are happy to welcome the riders and the organisers to Yorkshire and Humber.”
Non stop action in the Tour of Britain on Yorkshire roads last year.
Speaking on behalf of the Tour of Britain, Paul Rowlands said: Yorkshire has been a supporter of the Tour of Britain since we resurrected the event in 2004. It’s great to be returning for our fifth consecutive year and we’re delighted with the route. The stage has the potential to be one of the most decisive in our 8 day race and the all new finish in Dalby Forest is certain to provide a worthy winner.
Councillor Carl Minns, Leader of Hull City Council said: "We are proud that Hull has been selected as the starting point for this prestigious event. Hull is a vibrant, forward-thinking city and this is an opportunity to get our message out to a national tv audience. As well as bringing more tourists into Hull on the day, the positive publicity will have knock-on effects for the local economy into the future. And let's not forget that Hull is a great place to cycle. With its flat landscape, 70 miles of cycle routes, continued investment in cycle facilities and road safety, Hull is recognised as one of the the top 10 areas for cycling in the country with around 14% of all journeys to work being taken by bike."
Alan Eves, Forest Management Director, Forestry Commission, said: "This year's final leg of the Yorkshire stage through the magnificent Forge Valley and Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire is unique in the tour's history. The twelve mile section and its narrow tree-lined roads is evocative of the Ardennes region of Belgium and France. It will provide a thrilling day out for visitors and gives us the chance to promote Dalby to a worldwide audience."
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Tour of Britain Stage in South West
