The Tour de France saw millions out enjoying the sunshine and the sport in Huddersfield and the rest of Yorkshire.
The Tour de Farce didn’t quite have the same impact.
The rain lashed down relentlessly but the show had to go on and even though there was no yellow jersey for the winner, it didn’t stop 30 hardy souls from getting on their bikes and helping raise hundreds of pounds for charity.
The ‘Tour de Farce’ cycle race was run from The Gawthorpe WMC at Lepton – which had its inaugural outing last year – and was boosted by cyclists 3RT, 10 semi-professionals from Brighouse, who competed in the event.
Organiser Jamie Dutton, of Lepton, said last year’s event had raised £700 and this year’s amount would be split, with 50% going towards a multiple sclerosis charity and the rest being split equally between Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Kirkwood Hospice.
The idea for the two-mile race around the country lanes connecting Lepton and Kirkheaton originally came about after two of the Gawthorpe club lads, David ‘Wiggins’ Hepworth and Nobby ‘Hoy’ Dickinson endlessly debated as to who was the better rider. Sadly, neither was able to take part this year.
One of those taking part was 70-year-old Jack Dobson, of Lascelles Hall, whose wife Alison died from MS in 2008.
Asked about the weather he said: “I’m not bothered. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.”
Jamie said he was grateful to everyone who had turned out and given their support.
He said: “Last year we raised £700 which was fantastic and that went to help Children’s Cancer Charity and Neurosurgery at Leeds General Infirmary.
“This year I was approached by Jack who asked if we could do anything to help MS and we were delighted to help. We have raised several hundred pounds this year.”
After the cycle race finished, with prizes for elite and social riders, it was back to the club for a warm-up, pie and peas, raffle and a darts and domino knockout. Giants star Michael Lawrence teamed up with Mr Dobson to win the dominoes.
Harry Cooper, of 3RT, won the elite race with a time of 4 mins 35 secs and John Hall, of Darton, near Barnsley, took the social riders’ jersey with a time of 6 mins 15 secs.
Jewsons were the main sponsors while Caradmon Green and Total Fitness provided generous donations too.
