Yorkshire welcomes Tour de France riders in spectacular opening showcase

MORE than 10,000 people filled Leeds’ first direct Arena for the glittering Tour de France opening ceremony last night.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity and Le Tour director Christian Prudhomme took to the stage to declare the Tour officially open at what was described as the biggest and best attended Team Presentation in the race’s 111-year history.

Verity said: “It’s a huge honour to welcome you all, to welcome the champions of cycling and the world to Yorkshire.

“The dream we had four years ago to bring the Tour de France to Yorkshire is tonight a reality.

“When people look back at this time, July 2014, this will be seen as a defining moment, if not the defining moment, for the people of Yorkshire and beyond.

“And I promise you the grandest Grand Depart ever in the history of the Tour de France starting here tonight and over the next three days, that promise will be fulfilled.

“It has taken three years of hard work, tenacity and commitment, but all three of those qualities will manifest over the next three days for all the world to see in miles of country, thousands of yellow bikes, thousands of tour makers who along with the people of Yorkshire, will welcome the world to our county.

“The values of the people of Yorkshire are the same as the true champions of cycling  – hard work, perseverance, determination, passion, enthusiasm, pride and wilful refusal to take no for an answer.

“My greatest thanks for tonight is deserved for every man, woman and child who supported, encouraged and believed in our dream. As I speak, 600 bell ringers across 60 churches across the county are ringing hundreds of bells in celebration of this moment, in itself an inspirational example of what we can achieve together.

“I am certain that thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired by the champions of cycling this weekend.

“This is our destiny – you are part of history – vive la Yorkshire vive la Tour de France.”

The 198 Tour de France riders were showcased during the evening, including British favourites Mark Cavendish and last year’s Yellow jersey winner Chris Froome. 

There were performances from Yorkshire band Embrace, a performance of the Grand Depart song, The Road, performed by Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh and Alistair Griffin. ITV sports presenter Jill Douglas and voice of the Tour de France Sebastien Piquet presented the ceremony.