A CYCLING event in June following much of the 2014 Tour de France: Grand Depart route will be held this year in memory of Bruce Dinsmore, former sports development officer at Craven District Council.

Bruce, who died in 2021, was instrumental in creating Le Petit Depart, a legacy event to celebrate the very best of cycling routes in the Dales and using much of the 2014 Tour de France Stage One route and the 2019 World Championship road race route.

Organised by Skipton Cycling Club, the cycling sportive will take place on Sunday, June 4, will include an 80-mile ride and a 38-mile ride, and is aimed at all abilities.

The original 80-mile sportive route follows much of the Tour de France Stage One, taking cyclists over three climbs and along six dales.

From the head of Wharfedale the route goes over Kidstones, the first official climb of the 2014 Tour de France. It continues along the Stage One route to Hawes, returning to Skipton via Ribblehead viaduct, Settle and Malhamdale.

Meanwhile, the 38 mile scenic route will follow the Grand Depart route up and back down the Upper Wharfedale valley, stretching right up into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The route returns via Bolton Abbey.

Caran Stephenson, chair of Skipton Cycling Club, said: “This ride is a regular favourite for our club rides, it’s relatively flat and takes you up and back one of the most beautiful Yorkshire Dales."

The Bruce Dinsmore Team Challenge, has been set up in memory of Bruce, who in addition to being the council's sports development officer, was also a keen club rider. He was especially keen on having a team challenge to foster the teamwork and camaraderie that makes team cycling special.

Bruce's original idea was to attract families and friends to enter the event as teams to try to win the team trophy. Team members can choose which route to ride and do not have to ride the same route as each other. The trophy is awarded to the team with the best average speed, and in the past has attracted entries from more than 20 entries.

Everyone who enters will be included in a prize draw for a chance to win a £550 bike voucher from Chevin Cycles. Barnoldswick based Hope Technology has also donated some professional wheels for a lucky winner.

Some of the proceeds from the event will go to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

To enter, go to the Skipton Cycling Club website at: www.skipton.cc