Statement from the leader of Leeds City Council about the celebrations in Leeds around the Grand Départ as the day draws to a close and the city reflects on what has been a momentous occasion.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Keith Wakefield said:
“What an incredible day that has been for Leeds and Yorkshire. Crowds in their thousands lined the route in Leeds giving the riders and teams an amazing atmosphere as they made their way through the city, it made me very proud so I’d like to thank everyone in the city for making this the biggest event for Leeds in living memory.
“I have seen back some of the television footage and it looks spectacular, showcasing Leeds and Yorkshire to a massive global audience which we know will bring about major benefits in the short and longer term as people all over the world now know our city and region is a place they must come and visit and do business with. I’m sure it will also inspire people of all ages and especially young people to get on bikes and emulate the Tour de France heroes they have just seen come past.
“Thanks to our partners ASO, Welcome to Yorkshire, our fellow local authorities and TdFHUB2014 Ltd for making today such an incredible success and having set the tone for the Tour so perfectly. We will be watching with keen interest for more of the same on day two tomorrow and day three on Monday.”
