Otley’s MP is calling for the opening of the 2016 Tour De France race to take place in Yorkshire.
Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) has joined fellow MPs Hilary Benn (Lab, Leeds Central) and Julian Smith (Con, Skipton & Ripon) in backing Welcome to Yorkshire’s Back le Bid campaign.
The politicians have tabled a Parliamentary motion, supporting the campaign, which points out that having the initial stage of the largest annual sporting event in the world take place locally would provide a multi-million pound boost to the economy.
Mr Mulholland said: “Yorkshire is a beautiful part of the world with fantastic geography that attracts cyclists from home and abroad and which would make for a great ‘Grand Depart’, setting the tone for a thrilling tour.
“In the coming five years, the UK will host the best of athletics, rugby, and golf – it’s only natural that we now want to add cycling to that prestigious line-up.
“I would encourage everyone in Yorkshire to ‘Back le Bid’ by signing Welcome to Yorkshire’s petition and calling on other MPs to back the motion.
“Let’s prove that we’ve got what it takes and bring the tour to Yorkshire.”
More details about the campaign can be found at yorkshire.com/ back-the-bid.
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