Perfect 10 for cyclists as Leeds marks the anniversary of the Grand Depart

Hundreds of cyclists will take to the streets of Leeds this weekend as the city celebrates 10^th anniversary of the Tour de France’s Grand Depart visit to Yorkshire.

Plans to mark the anniversary with a mass participation cycling event called the Legacy Ride were first announced in March.

And with final preparations underway ahead of Sunday’s (July 7) event, organizers have confirmed that more than 500 people have signed up to take part.

These hardy amateur cyclists will follow much of the 2014 Grand Depart route as they head into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales from a starting point in Roundhay Park in Leeds.

The Legacy Ride is organized by leading cycling events company Struggle Events, with support from Leeds City Council and sponsorship from Leeds-based advanced digital delivery consultancy Axiologik.

It will raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as well as a £6.8m Leeds Hospitals charity appeal to create a Rob Burrow Center for MND.

Meanwhile, this Saturday will see the City Square host a separate program of themed cycling activities, competitions and other fun for all the family.

The entertainment in City Square runs from 11am to 2pm and has been organized by the council with support from British Cycling and repair service Dr Bike.

Both events this weekend will spark memories for many of 2014 and the remarkable scenes that accompanied Yorkshire’s staging of the Grand Depart.

An estimated 230,000 spectators packed into Leeds city center for the start of the race, with large crowds also lining the streets as the riders made their way through other parts of the county.

A report by the council and British Sport showed that the Grand Depart boosted the Yorkshire economy by more than £100 million, with other long-term benefits anticipated as a result of increased tourism, profile and commercial deals.

Councilor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, said:

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the Tour de France came to Leeds and Yorkshire.

“That unforgettable weekend was a magical moment in time for both the city and the county, so I’m delighted we have the opportunity to celebrate its anniversary in style.

“Saturday’s City Square event and Sunday’s Legacy Ride will between them highlight the huge local popularity of cycling. It promises to be a great few days.”

Matt Mannakee, director and co-founder of Struggle Events, said:

“Summer is here and with it we’ve noticed more cyclists taking their bikes out of the garage so they can enjoy our fantastic countryside while traveling on two wheels.

“We’ve also seen a recent wave of entries for the Legacy Ride. There aren’t many places left, so if you want to take part, sign up today.”

Ben Davison, founder and director of Axiologik, said:

“The Legacy Ride is now just days away and there is a lot of buzz in the community about the event.

“People fondly remember the Tour de France being in our region and, after the sad death of Rob Burrow, it is particularly poignant that the event is raising money for MND causes.

“There is still time to join the hundreds of others supporting this great event and such brilliant causes.”

To ensure the Legacy Ride offers a wide range of ability levels, it will have three route options – 230km, 120km and 70km.

All routes start and finish in Roundhay Park and in between will take in places such as Buttertubs Pass, Bolton Abbey and Askwith Moor near Otley.

The event will take place on open roads, with participants setting off early in the morning in staggered groups. There will be no road closures and residents are encouraged to come out and show their support for the riders as they pass by.

More information about the Legacy Ride, including admission prices, can be found here. Cyclists can participate as a team or in an individual capacity on any type of bicycle, including e-bikes.

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