YEP Says: Leeds will show Tour riders real Yorkshire cheer

Next May the extended four-day Tour de Yorkshire wlll end in style at the Headrow. Sir Gary Verity is right the Headrow does lend itself to these spectacular historic moments, it will provide a spectacular backdrop.

Last year 2.2million people came out to watch the event over three days and a record 1million of those were there for the finalé.

This would have been unthinkable before the Tour de france Grand Départ. Yorkshire people have always known this area is a fantastic place to cycle, there are challenges a-plenty for the hill climbers and distance riders.

But there were some that doubted whether it would really be embraced as a spectator sport but the crowds have proved it.

Last year’s Tour de Yorkshire winner Serge Pawels was effusive in his praise of the Yorkshire crowds, putting them in the top three in the world for getting behind the riders and creating an atmosphere.

A record 1m fans turned out to watch the finale last year.

Leeds will raise the roof when the riders cross the finish line in 2018 – they will hear the cheers in Brussels and wish they’d not turned their nose up at our Culture bid.