For reasons we’ve never really understood, the Tour de France – despite its name – isn’t always held in France. Instead they usually race a few stages through other beautiful parts of Europe, like the Swiss Alps, Holland’s famous lowlands and the cobbled streets of Belgium. Now Leeds is set to be added to the cavalcade of panoramic vistas that scatter the Tour. No, really.
Apparently the 2014 Tour de France will start in Yorkshire before moving south to London and then hopping across the channel for the rest of the race. Full details of the route will be announced at a news conference in Leeds and Paris on 17 January.
Apparently the county that’s famous throughout the world for bringing us Tetleys (the tea), Tetleys (the beer), and the Chuckle Brothers beat off stiff competition from Florence and Edinburgh to host the prestigious event. We’re not entirely sure why the world’s elite cyclists would want to go to Leeds, but if it’s anything like BBM remembers from our university days, the easy access to drugs could have been a factor.
“Like every other cycling fan, I am thrilled the world’s biggest bike race is coming back to this country,” British Cycling president Brian Cookson said. “The huge numbers who turned out to support the 2007 Grand Depart and the London 2012 road races show the passion we have for cycling. I’m sure Yorkshire will give the 2014 Tour de France a welcome which will stand out in the race’s rich history.”
Well Brian, considering the average Yorkshireman considers a curt nod of his flat cap to be a warm welcome, we won’t hold our breath.
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