Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council met with businesses across the region last night to discuss how they can benefit from the world’s largest sporting event coming to Yorkshire next year, the Tour de France.
Cycling related businesses, organisations and interest groups, such as cycle clubs, from around the region attended the conference, held in the council’s new West Offices. The meeting was the first opportunity for businesses to come together and talk about how they can be involved with the lead up to Tour de France and contribute towards making this the best event Yorkshire – and the world – has ever seen.
Delegates also heard from Welcome To Yorkshire about the opportunities attached to the Tour de France and Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council detailed plans to ensure a thriving cultural and sport legacy to the event.
The Tour de France is expected to attract two million spectators and 2,000 journalists from around the world to line the route, bringing an estimated £100 million boost for the region and an opportunity for Yorkshire share with the world its spectacular range of local produce, which is sure to provide a huge boost to the city’s leisure and tourism industries.
York itself will be hosting the 101st Tour de France Grand Départ, Stage 2 in July 2014, which will see some 200 of the world’s best cyclists showcase their road-riding skills on the cobbles and corners of the medieval streets with a backdrop of some of the great sights of the city. The city has a track record of staging high-quality, large-scale events which involve local people and reach international TV audiences, including the Olympic Torch’s highly-praised visit to the city last year.
Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, said: “As one of the top cycling cities in the country we are delighted to host Le Grand Départ next July. As a cyclist myself, it’s a privilege to be appointed as the senior legacy lead for the region and to ensure that this important legacy lives on in Yorkshire, builds on this city’s long-standing commitment to cycling and inspires generations to come.
“With 98 per cent of the county’s population living within an hour of the route this is the time to ensure not only spectators benefit from the world’s largest sporting event but also our region’s businesses too.”
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire, said: “This event is the perfect opportunity for cycle clubs and local businesses to find out more about how Le Tour will impact on their communities and their county. Millions of people will descend on Yorkshire to witness the Grand Départ and the planning starts now to maximise the opportunities that presents.”
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