Grand start for the Grand Depart at British cycling legends day at Leeds Metropolitan University
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News – British Legends of the Tour
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A public event in celebration of the world of British cycling, featuring a host of our nation’s cycling heroes, is set to be held at Leeds Metropolitan University on Friday 4 July to welcome the Grand Depart to Yorkshire.
The one-day event, held at the University’s Rose Bowl building, will feature inspirational presentations from the world of British cycling. Opening the event will be international cyclist Stephen Roche, who will be joined by Peter Dodd from Welcome to Yorkshire. Chris Sidwells, the internationally-respected journalist and author, will provide an entertaining history of British Cycling and the Tour de France before British legends from the Tour and the professional and amateur circuit take to the floor to share a piece of cycling memorabilia and their stories and anecdotes from their racing careers.
Organising team Peter Cox Senior Lecturer and Project Co-Ordinator, Melissa Watts from the Carnegie Faculty commented: “We are excited at the opportunity of bringing together so many past legends of British bike racing all in one place. It’s a unique event where you can meet and hear from many of these celebrated athletes who have influenced generations of cyclists. Our special guest Brian Robinson, Pioneer of Britain’s racing on the continent will be joined by many past riders of the Tour de France. All proceeds from the event will go to the Dave Rayner Fund of which Brian Robinson is the President.
The session entitled ‘Tales from the Tour’, hosted by Pete Matthews, will give the audience the chance to question their heroes as around 20 former British Tour de France riders, including Brian Robinson, Malcolm Elliot, Barry Hoban, Sid Barras & Mandy Jones (now Bishop), take on a question and answer session.
Over a Yorkshire/French themed lunch, there will be the chance to meet the legends of British cycling book signing with Chris Sidwells and view the cycling expo.
In the second part of the day, the legends return to tell their cycling anecdotes. The event will finish with top tips to improvement for the everyday cyclist adapted from the science behind performance success from Leeds Metropolitan University sports scientist, Barney Wainwright, and sports nutritionist, Louise Sutton, from the Carnegie Sports Performance Centre (CSPC).There will be an opportunity to win a free bike fit and cycling fitness consultation at the CSPC.
Closing the day will be Graham Titchener, the Regional Director of the Grand Depart Legacy Programme who will outline the legacy of the Tour for Yorkshire. This will be followed by a drinks reception and toast to the Tour.
The Celebration of British Cycling event is held from 10.00am to 5.30pm. The price is a £10 donation to the Dave Rayner Fund in support of up-and-coming riders. www.daveraynerfund.co.uk To book a place, please go to
Throughout the day there will be a cycling expo in the Rose Bowl’s Atrium and a chance to meet your British cycling heroes and heroines.
Send your results as well as club, team & event news here
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