Yorkshire to host start of 2014 Tour de France
John Healey has welcomed news today that Yorkshire has won its bid to host the Grand Depart and second stage of the Tour de France.
In the summer, the MP supported the ‘Back le Bid’ campaign and provided a letter to be included in tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire’s official bid document.
He said at the time: “It would put us on the map globally and demonstrate our capability to host world class events, the benefits of which would be felt by the whole county for years afterwards.
“Yorkshire has a proud cycling heritage unrivalled anywhere in England and would provide a spectacular backdrop.”
Mr Healey said this week: “Being chosen to host the Tour de France is a huge coup for Yorkshire, but one we deserve – because of our pride and passion in our region, huge appetite for sport and cycling and spectacular scenery.
“As a proud Yorkshireman I am looking forward to joining the thousands who will line the streets to cheer on the riders in 2014.
“It is one of the biggest events in the world and will be a great boost to our region and economy.
“We should pay tribute to the thousands of people who supported the bid but especially Welcome to Yorkshire. I worry whether they will be able to go on achieving things like this with the Government cutting their funding by 100%.”