The region’s tourism boss is urging businesses to grab hold of the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” offered when the Grand Depart 2014 rides into the Bradford district next summer.

The chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Gary Verity described the first two stages of the cycling race as “one of the biggest free shows on Earth.”

Bradford Council is pushing the same message and is hosting a meeting tomorrow where people can find out how to best benefit from the expected tourism boost.

The session is the second in a series of Tour De France planning meetings preparing for the event’s arrival on July 5 and 6. Locally, it will take in places including Pool-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, Silsden, Keighley and Haworth.

During the planning meetings, a representative from Welcome to Yorkshire, which is hosting the Tour de France, will speak, there will be Council presentations about opportunities for local businesses, information on how it will be managed, plus a question and answer session.

The Council has also set-up a website, bradford.gov.uk/ tourdefrance, which gives advice including how to rent your home and set-up temporary car parks and campsites.

Next Thursday, councillors on the Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be updated on work being done relating to the Tour de France.

They will hear that a company has been set-up, representing local authorities and UK Sport, to deliver the event and about regional hopes that it will leave a legacy of cycling, tourism and culture.

Tomorrow’s meeting is at Queens Hall in Burley in Wharfedale at 10am. The final sessions will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Victoria Hall, Keighley, at 10am and 1pm.

To register for the free events, visit eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Tour De France’ or call (01274) 432774