Tour de Yorkshire cancelled for third consecutive year
The Tour de Yorkshire cycle race has been cancelled for a third year in a row, organisers have confirmed.
The decision to not go ahead with the 2022 event follows lengthy discussions between race organisers, Welcome to Yorkshire and ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation).
In a detailed statement, the organisations explained the impact of the pandemic, combined with escalating financial challenges and uncertainties meant the event would be “unviable” in 2022.
The annual Tour de Yorkshire (2015-2019) followed the success of the 2014 Tour de France’s Grand Départ in the county.
Last year, planning for the 2020 race was in the final stages with all the host towns and cities having plans in place.
However, due to the pandemic the race was postponed in late March 2020. Following discussions with ASO and an assessment of the impact of lockdown and the likelihood of being able to hold the race, the 2021 race was also postponed.
Despite the latest cancellation, Welcome to Yorkshire stresses its ambition to continue hosting international events is “as strong as ever.”
The body’s chief executive, James Mason, said: “This has been an intense period of back and forth discussions about the 2022 Tour de Yorkshire over many months.
James Mason
“The race is a much-loved international sports event which showcases Yorkshire across the globe. So many people involved in the decision making process understand just how popular the race is.
“We had every intention for the race to go ahead but unfortunately some of the circumstances were out of our control and sometimes you have to make big calls for the right reasons.
“People from Yorkshire are proud and we only want the best for the county. We still have ambitions for large events going forward to put Yorkshire on the world stage and we will continue to work with our partners to plan for those.”
Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire, Peter Box, said: “Whilst the news about the Tour de Yorkshire will be disappointing to hear for many, it’s important for Welcome to Yorkshire to now focus on imminent events and to continue planning for future annual campaigns, similar to 2021’s acclaimed ‘Walkshire’, promoting the whole of the county every day of the year.
“The last 18 months have seen turbulent times for many businesses and for tourism, with financial restrictions which must be addressed and considered in all decision-making processes.
“The ongoing support of Welcome to Yorkshire’s partners across the county is gratefully acknowledged and we look forward to continuing working together going forward.
“The organisation has shown immense creativity, skill and expertise at arranging and hosting a wide-range of award-winning events in the past and it will continue to do so.”
CEO of ASO, Yann Le Moenner, added: “For seven years now our teams have been working towards the realisation of the event, which after five editions has become a real marker in cycling’s spring season.
“After two back-to-back cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting in early 2020, and considering economic factors, some of which result from it, it has been decided by mutual agreement that the Tour de Yorkshire will not be organised in 2022.
“Whatever the case, the Tour de France and ASO will always remain close to Yorkshire because of the fantastic Grand Départ in 2014 and five successful editions of the Tour de Yorkshire which deserve a follow-up.”
