The countdown has begun until the Tour de France visits the beautiful county of Yorkshire for this year’s Grand Départ.
The world famous cycling race - now in its 101st year - will venture right past our York store on a route which will take the riders from Leeds to London over three days, before heading over to France for the main body of the competition.
Stage One of the Grand Départ sets off on a 190km ride from Leeds on July 5th and ends in Harrogate later that day after passing the likes of Otley, Skipton, Buttertubs Pass and Ripon.
The following day, Stage Two will take the riders just over 200km from York to Sheffield passing through scenic locations such as Cragg Vale and the Peak District National Park.
On the final day, July 7th, the riders will venture 155km from Cambridge to London where they will make their way past an array of the capital’s main attraction including Canary Wharf, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.
Due to the recent successes of Britons in the Tour de France, such as Chris Froome (2013) and Sir Bradley Wiggins (2012) - not to mention his gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics - cycling has become a popular sport here in the UK and massive numbers are expected to line the streets to see the Grand Départ.
Therefore, if you plan to see the Grand Départ in person it’s best to book your trip now.