TOUR DE FRANCE LEGACY IN ACTION.
Thu 7th September 2017
The Tour de France legacy that Sir Gary Verity promised back in 2014 continues to bear fruit. For a week in September forty members of an international cycling club based in France will tour Yorkshire in the wheel tracks of the professional peloton.
Who are they?
Since 2000, members of the Amicale Euro Cyclotourisme have criss-crossed the continent, from Stockholm to Athens, from Lisbon to Prague. You might think they’d been there, done that, seen it all. But they know little of the UK. All this will change in a couple of weeks’ time when they visit Yorkshire.
Is it a race?
Although the group includes past champions, this ride favours leisure, tourism and companionship on the road. But, of course, tackling the hills of Yorkshire, including the mighty Col de Buttertubs, will certainly bring out the inner Wiggins at times.
Why Yorkshire?
Seduced by the TV coverage of the 2014 Grand Depart, AEC members just had to see Yorkshire for themselves. Among their regular riders is a solitary Englishman, and adopted Yorkshireman, Ray Smith, who was asked to make it possible.
Where are they going?
The group starts from Beverley, taking in the Wolds, the North York Moors and the Dales, and spends a day in York before riding back to Beverley.
When?
On Saturday September 9 this year, 40 riders will get a send-off from the Mayor of Beverley as they set off on their adventure.
Can I see them/ride along for a bit?
They’d love to meet local riders, who will be welcome to join them on the road for a while, and perhaps guide them through the Yorkshire lanes.
Outline route
Sat 9 Sep Beverley - Whitby
Sun 10 Sep Whitby - Osmotherley
Mon 11 Osmotherley- Reeth-Malham
Tues 12 Malham-Mytholmroyd-Malham
Wed 13 Malham - York
Fri 15 York - Beverley
More details from ray.smith@phonecoop.coop or 01924 252 377 www.europn-ffct.org
