The detailed route of next year’s Tour de France was today being unveiled before some of the world’s best cyclists in Paris.
For the first time in its history, the Grand Depart of the 101st edition of the world’s most famous bike race will be in Yorkshire.
The first stage on Saturday, July 5, will see the riders race along a 120-mile route from Leeds to Harrogate via the Yorkshire Dales and through Skipton, Ilkley and Otley.
The second stage on Sunday, July 6, a distance of 125 miles from York to Sheffield takes in Silsden, Keighley, Haworth and Oxenhope.
Defending champion Chris Froome and multiple stage winner Mark Cavendish were expected to be among an audience of more than 4,000 people at the Palais des Congrès today when the route is revealed and examined leading to much speculation as to who will be pre-race favourite.
The 2014 Tour will spend a further day in Britain on Monday, July 7, following a route from Cambridge to London with a finishing sprint along The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article