In Leeds, the Legacy Ride commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in Yorkshire, supporting charitable causes like the MND Association. Over 500 cyclists will relive the historic route, raising funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND and showcasing local cycling enthusiasm.
What is the significance of the Legacy Ride event in Leeds?
The Legacy Ride in Leeds celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in Yorkshire. It supports charitable causes like the MND Association, with over 500 cyclists reliving the historic route and raising funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Events include family activities and showcase local cycling enthusiasm.
Celebrating a Milestone: Leeds Remembers the Grand Depart
Leeds is about to witness a remarkable homage to its cycling heritage as hundreds of cycling enthusiasts prepare to throng the streets for a significant anniversary. This weekend, the city will buzz with the energy of over 500 participants as it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Tour de France Grand Depart’s Yorkshire leg. The Legacy Ride, a mass participation event first announced back in March, is finally set to take place on Sunday, July 7, following an ecstatic reception and meticulous planning by the community.
The event is not just a celebration; it’s also a grand gesture of support for charitable causes. Organized by Struggle Events in collaboration with Leeds City Council and sponsored by Axiologik, the Legacy Ride pledges to support the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and contributes towards a £6.8m appeal by Leeds Hospitals Charity to establish the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Participants will relive the historic 2014 Grand Depart route, beginning their journey from Leeds’s Roundhay Park and winding through the stunning vistas of the Yorkshire Dales.
Cyclists and Spectators Unite
Leeds City Square will set the stage for a prelude to the Legacy Ride with a day of activities, competitions, and family fun on Saturday. From 11am to 2pm, the council, with support from British Cycling and the Dr Bike repairs service, will host cycling-themed festivities. This event promises to be not just an entertaining day out for families but also a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who witnessed the city’s transformation during the 2014 Grand Depart.
The 2014 Grand Depart saw an estimated 230,000 spectators pack into Leeds city centre, creating an electrifying atmosphere as the racers embarked on their journey. The streets of Yorkshire bore witness to a sea of enthusiastic crowds, a testament to the region’s passion for cycling. A council and UK Sport report later revealed that the Grand Depart had injected over £100m into Yorkshire’s economy and anticipated further benefits stemming from heightened tourism and international trade deals.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, reflecting on the past decade, remarked, “It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the Tour de France Grand Depart came to Leeds and Yorkshire. That unforgettable weekend was a magical moment in time for city and county alike, so I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to celebrate its anniversary in style. Saturday’s event in City Square and Sunday’s Legacy Ride will, between them, underline the huge local popularity of cycling. It promises to be a great couple of days.”
Routes and Remembrance
The Legacy Ride is designed to be inclusive, catering to various skill levels with three different route options—230km, 120km, and 70km. All routes will commence and conclude in Roundhay Park, taking cyclists on an enchanting tour of landmarks such as the Buttertubs Pass, Bolton Abbey, and the picturesque Askwith Moor, near Otley. With the event running on open roads, participants will embark at dawn in staggered groups, ensuring a steady flow of cyclists throughout the course.
Matt Mannakee, director and co-founder of Struggle Events, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Summer is here and with it we’ve noticed more cyclists pulling their bikes out of the garage so they can enjoy our fantastic countryside while travelling on two wheels. We’ve also seen a final surge of entries for our Legacy Ride. There aren’t many places left, so if you’re keen to take part then sign up today.”
Ben Davison, founder and director of Axiologik, expressed the community’s excitement, “Legacy Ride is now just a few days away and there’s lots of buzz in the community about the event. People remember with great fondness the Tour de France being in our region and, following the sad death of Rob Burrow, it’s especially poignant that the event is raising money for MND-related with such brilliant causes.”
The organizers encourage local residents to come out and support the riders. For those wishing to participate, further information about Legacy Ride, including entry prices, can be found here. The event is open to both teams and individuals, and welcomes any bike type, including e-bikes.
ENDS
- The Legacy Ride in Leeds celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in Yorkshire, supporting charitable causes like the MND Association.
- Over 500 cyclists will relive the historic route and raise funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, showcasing local cycling enthusiasm.
- The event includes family activities and a prelude in Leeds City Square with cycling-themed festivities.
- The Legacy Ride offers three different route options catering to various skill levels, including landmarks like the Buttertubs Pass and Bolton Abbey.
- Organized by Struggle Events in collaboration with Leeds City Council and sponsored by Axiologik, the event aims to commemorate the Grand Depart while supporting worthwhile causes.