Tour to ‘showcase best of UK’ as grand plan in place, according to new report

Tom Vosa (left) from Yorkshire Bank with Sir Rodney Walker, from TDFHUB2014 Ltd, at Yorkshire Bank's one day forum at Aspire in Leeds. Picture by Joan Russell

With less than a month to go until Le Tour rolls into action from Leeds’s Headrow on July 5, the Government’s Tour organising body TDFHUB2014 Ltd has released the last of three ‘readiness reports’ detailing its plans.

Forecasting a huge economic boost to the region as millions of fans prepare to visit, the report also makes clear that Le Tour remains in line with its £27m budget although more than half of its budgeted £2m contingency funds have now been spent.

Around £1.26m of the funds have paid for things including improving radio systems and finalising the costs of the Cambridge to London stage three, while an extra £100,000 went on supporting crowd management, safety, security and traffic management from Holme to Langsett during the July 6 stage two.

The report, released today, states organisers hope to “reach race week with a meaningful level of contingency unallocated”.

Chair of TDFHUB2014, Sir Rodney Walker, said: “I am delighted to be able to say all of the plans are now in place and being refined and tested to deliver something special – an event which will be enjoyed by millions of people at the roadside and will showcase the very best of the UK to a massive global audience.”

The report states that hosting Le Tour is a challenge due to crowd management and the unpredictable British climate, but that TDFHUB2014 is “well prepared” to face it.

It also reveals the scale of the logistical challenge, with over 100km of barriers and fencing, 24 spectator hubs, more than 30,000 traffic cones, 2,500 radios, 5,000 road signs, 7,000 stewards and 2,000 temporary toilets being organised.

For information visit letouryorkshire.com.