MILLIONS of pounds could pour into Yorkshire because of the Tour De France.
That was the view of Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney as he took part in a debate in the Commons on the successful bid to bring the race to the county.
“I’m not surprised at the level of interest.
“Cycling is the new rock and roll. Its current lead singer Bradley Wiggins said to me on Sunday evening at the Sports Personality of the Year when I raised the prospect of him cycling through Yorkshire with the Tour in 2014, that he welcomed the news.
“We have a history and heritage of cycling and the first British stage winner of the Tour is 82-year-old Brian Robinson from Mirfield.
“Yorkshire could gain in the region of £300m direct revenue, plus masses of media exposure and subsequent tourism benefits.
“We have yet to have the route confirmed but I’ll be continuing to bang the drum for the route to sweep through my Colne Valley constituency for a gruelling and picturesque hill climb up to Holme Moss.
“TV cameras would show off this Pennine panorama to the world.”
And he added: “The area now has a booming level of cycling participation helped in no small way by the series of Pedal for Pounds charity bike rides organised by Huddersfield Town Football Club.
“My constituency is ready and all fired up to help make the 2014 Tour De France Grand Depart just as successful as the Olympic games and leave a lasting legacy in terms of participation and investment in the local community and economy.”
