Seen a lot of comment on here, so just a personal perspective. Was working up at Hawes/Buttertubs pass on Saturday. Was an absolutely spectacular day. I'm not an 'Uber-cyclist' but this did really feel like a life experience. The volume and good nature of the crowds was wonderful to see. The showcasing of the Dales was spectacular and I was genuinely choked about the way in which Yorkshire was portrayed to the world. Coming from Barnsley, I naturally have several chips on my shoulder so I couldn't help being immensely proud that this event came to Yorkshire in the teeth of massive opposition from the British Govt who were adamant that the Grand depart should be in Edinburgh (can't help feeling the little matter of a referendum might have influenced that view!) and who to the bitter end opposed the Welcome to Yorkshire (WtY) Bid and then put absolutely diddley squat cash into it. Huge credit to Gary Verity - WtY (top bloke) and his team for resisting that pressure and to Christian Prudhome (Head of ASO -the TdF organisation) for telling the Govt to 'stick it' - "the event is coming Yorkshire." Just need 'independence now and we're away. Alez, Alex Yorkshire.
Great post. Yorkshire did look awesome during the weekend.......nice to show the world what we have on our doorsteps.
Absolutely right. I was told that the Gov't asked Welcome to Yorkshire to turn down their successful bid, because they had promised Scotland 3 high profile Sports events - Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and TDF. So glad Yorkshire told the Gov't where to get off.
