Leyburn to host Tour de Yorkshire

The Tour de Yorkshire looks set to return to Richmondshire next year. The 2020 race, which had Leyburn as a host town, was postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But organisers Welcome to Yorkshire want to run the race in May next year (2022). This will be the first and largest mass participation event in the UK since the pandemic. And they will link it to a week long countywide Festival of Yorkshire to celebrate food and drink, arts and culture, heritage and music – and promote the county as a destination to visit.

This week (June 15) members of Richmondshire District Council’s Corporate Board agreed to a request from Welcome to Yorkshire to underwrite the race to the tune of up to £100,000 if sponsorship cannot be secured. They were told that Welcome to Yorkshire is asking all host authorities to do the same – covering start and finishes in Barnsley, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Leyburn, Redcar and Skipton. Once that commitment has been secured Welcome to Yorkshire can begin planning the 2022 event.

“This event is not just a bike race. It’s a festival of Yorkshire, and it will show off Richmondshire as a county to come and visit, promoting our local shops, businesses and attractions, and encouraging people to shop local,” said Council Leader, Councillor Angie Dale.

“There are massive economic benefits to this event coming to Leyburn. 2022 could be a fallow year for the district’s businesses as people begin to look to holiday abroad once more, so it is important that we put Richmondshire on the map, showcasing it before millions of tv viewers and race visitors for years to come.”