Speaking this morning, Nicky Chance-Thompson, chief executive of the Piece Hall Trust, said:
"This is exactly the sort of thing that the Piece Hall transformation is designed to do, to play host to national and international events.
"Just looking at the courtyard today it just looks absolutely incredible. We are very honoured to have it here, it's just fantastic."
The gruelling route, aptly named 'The Yorkshire Terrier', will take the riders through North Yorkshire before descending towards Leeds for a Headrow finale.
Events are continuing around Halifax today, including live music at the Piece Hall itself.