The 2014 Yorkshire Tour de France Grand Départ was an extraordinary event, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it. It was a spectacle that defied expectations and set a new standard for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
I recall the moment vividly, driving through a quaint village north of Leeds with our photographer Andy Jones. We encountered a sea of people lining the roads, a sight that took my breath away. It was then that I realized we were about to experience something truly special.
Leeds city center was already buzzing with excitement for the roll-out, but the true magnitude of the event became apparent as we ventured further. The wide carriageway leading out of Leeds was packed, but it was in this small village that we got a glimpse of the incredible enthusiasm awaiting us.
"Today is going to be extraordinary," I told Andy, as I snapped photos through the car window. I tried to send the images back to the office, but the limited mobile coverage was overwhelmed by the sheer number of spectators who had descended upon Yorkshire.
Fast forward twelve years, and the memories of that historic Grand Départ still evoke a sense of awe. Simon, like many others, eagerly anticipates the return of the Tour de France to Britain.
The first stage of the 2014 Tour de France exceeded all expectations and set a new benchmark for Grand Départs. The previous stages in London and Kent in 2007 had been successful, but Yorkshire took it to an entirely new level. ASO, the organizers, were taken aback, as were the riders themselves, who had to navigate through a sea of spectators and mobile phones.
On that fateful day, the peloton made a collective decision not to race. Jens Voigt, a legendary rider, was left to claim the KOM points, while the bunch played it safe, sensing the potential dangers. The tough parcours was effectively nullified, and the race was decided in a thrilling sprint finish in Harrogate, with Marcel Kittel claiming victory after Mark Cavendish's unfortunate crash and collarbone injury.
Instead of criticizing the crowds, the riders expressed their amazement and gratitude in interviews. They acknowledged that perhaps it was they who needed to adapt their approach to such an enthusiastic reception.
The Yorkshire team, led by Gary Verity, had orchestrated a masterpiece. Building on the success of the London Olympics in 2012, they demonstrated that the appetite for major sporting events remained strong. Yorkshire's athletes had dominated the medal table in 2012, and the county was ready to shine once again.
2014 was Yorkshire's moment to shine, and they seized it with fervor. Yellow-sprayed bikes adorned shop windows and front gardens, and villages competed to create the most impressive decorations and themes. Businesses and schools joined the Tour de France fever, resulting in two stages that raised the bar for future Grand Départs.
Since then, foreign hosts have followed Yorkshire's lead. The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Italy have all hosted Grand Départs, consistently raising the bar and making it almost expected. By the time the yellow jersey returns to the UK, it will mark the fifth Grand Départ in six years.
Comparisons to the iconic 2014 event are inevitable, but the 2027 bid has already set a new benchmark. It will be the first foreign Grand Départ to host both the men's and women's races in the same year, a decision likely influenced by Sport England or exchequer funding.
So, there's even more to look forward to! More towns will be involved, and more opportunities for spectators to cheer on the greatest sporting event in the world. So, dust off your old bike, give it a yellow spray paint job, and start planning your adventure to witness this extraordinary event!
