Countdown continues to cycling event inspired by Yorkshire's Tour de France moment

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 18) marks 50 days until Legacy Ride, a mass participation cycling event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Yorkshire’s staging of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

The event, taking place on Sunday, July 7, will see amateur cyclists retracing the route followed by the sport’s professional stars back in 2014.

Setting out from Roundhay Park in Leeds, riders will make their way to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales via some of the county’s most scenic roads and locations.

The sporting celebration is being organised by leading cycling events company Struggle Events with support from Leeds City Council and sponsorship from Leeds-based advanced digital delivery consultancy Axiologik.

And, ahead of the ’50 days to go’ milestone, riders have been told to expect an experience that will showcase the very best of Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire.

Organisers today also extended an open invite for local residents to help with the smooth running of the event by acting as volunteers.

Legacy Ride will raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and a £6.8m Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal for a Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Leeds Rhinos legend Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and since then has worked tirelessly to boost awareness of the condition and deliver improved care for those affected by it.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said:

“I’m delighted that we’re playing our part in this celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Grand Depart in Yorkshire – and, as we reach 50 days to go, the countdown to it can now begin in earnest.

“Major sporting events shine a really positive light on our city while also bringing important benefits to the local economy, and I’m sure Legacy Ride will be no different.

“Leeds residents love to pitch in and support good causes, so it’s great that people – even if they’re not taking part in the ride itself – will still have the chance to get involved by acting as volunteers. It promises to be a fantastic day.”

Matt Mannakee, director and co-founder of Struggle Events, said:

“Entries to the event have surpassed our expectations and excitement is growing among the local community and our loyal following of riders, who travel from across the country to ride in Yorkshire with us.

“With 50 days of training left, now is a great time to set yourself that goal by signing up and starting your training with purpose.”

Ben Davison, founder and director of Axiologik, said:

“The memory of seeing the Yorkshire crowds cheering on the riders during the Grand Depart in 2014 still sends a shiver down my spine – it was incredibly exciting that the Tour de France was actually happening in our region.

“As a proud Yorkshireman with a love of cycling, the opportunity to play a part in commemorating those amazing scenes by sponsoring Legacy Ride was like Christmas come early. We're delighted to add our name to this event and to be able to share it with friends and clients.”

To ensure the event caters for a broad range of ability levels, it will feature three route options – 230km, 120km and 70km.

All the routes start and finish in Roundhay Park and, between them, will take in spots such as Buttertubs Pass, Bolton Abbey and Askwith Moor, near Otley.

The event will be run on open roads, with participants setting off early in the morning in staggered groups. There will be no road closures, and residents are being encouraged to turn out and show their support for the riders as they pass by.

Further information about Legacy Ride, including entry prices, can be found here. Cyclists can take part in a team or individual capacity on any type of bike, including e-bikes.

People interested in volunteering on the day are asked to register their details via the Struggle Events website.

ENDS