Fancy watching the Tour de France action away from the hustle and bustle of the larger crowds roadside crowds?

Well, Huddersfield's official Tour de France Hubs in St George's Square and at Sands Recreation Ground in Holmfirth could be the viewing spots for you.

The spectator hubs promise big screens, food and drink and entertainment, ensuring all of the race day action without the stress of the large crowds found along the route.

The hubs will be open on both Saturday July 5, when the race sets off from Leeds city centre, and Sunday July 6, when it makes its way through Huddersfield.

Both hubs have room for 10,000 spectators, and are close enough to the route for families, the disabled and other visitors to get a taste of the action.

St George's Square spectator hub, Huddersfield town centre

St George's Square
St George's Square
 

The St George's Square hub is bound to be popular as the cyclists will pass close by the square, located outside Huddersfield Rail Station.

And as well as the food and drink available at the hub, town centre facilities are just a short stroll away.

Kirklees Council has recommended that spectators walk or cycle to the hub if possible, as the town centre and surrounds will be exceptionally busy.

For those that live further afield, there will be increased capacity on rail services from Manchester and Leeds to Huddersfield, which will deliver you straight to the hub, based outside the station.

Bus services will also be running into the town centre, however some services will be on diversion routes - click here for more information. There will be no buses services running between Huddersfield and Holmfirth due to the Tour de France route.

If you're thinking of driving, remember that roads will be closed from 7am to give organisers time to form the race route - including junction 24 of the M62 at Ainley Top.

People travelling from the north-east have been advised to use junction 25 and follow the A644 and A62 into Huddersfield.

Cars coming from the Wakefield area can head to Huddersfield via the A629, and spectators driving from the Oldham area can reach the hub via the A62 Manchester Road.

Parking is available in the town centre - but spaces are likely to fill up quickly!

The roads are expected to be very busy, so setting off early and allowing extra time for your journey is reccommended.

Sands Recreation Ground reacreation hub, Holmfirth

Sands Recreation Ground, Holmfirth
Sands Recreation Ground, Holmfirth
 

The race will pass through the heart of Holmfirth on Sunday July 6 and around 10,000 visitors and locals are expected to be in town as the cyclists whizz past.

The viewing and leisure facilities at the Holmfirth hub will be spread across streets and fields and will include a big screen, disabled access, a food and drink market and public toilets.

Spectators in the market town will also get to see a second, more unusual race take place - the annual Holmfirth Duck Race!

The wacky event - this year embracing a Tour de France theme - sees 10,000 yellow plastic ducks tipped into the river.

Organised by the Huddersfield Pendragon Roundtable, the event has attracted a cult following over the years and promises to be a quacking addition to the Grand Depart festivities.

As with St George's Square, Kirklees Council is advising people walk or cycle to the Spectator Hub, where possible.

Due to the closure of the A616 for the race route, no bus services with operate to or from Holmfirth. Access by car will also be limited as many roads will be closed overnight.

On the race day there will be no access north or south via the A6024. Access from the east will be via the A635 but there will be no access past Wooldale.

Access from the west will be via the A635 but the route is expected to be extremely busy and motorists have been advised to allow plenty of time so they don't miss the action.

Ready for the Tour de France? Test your knowledge of the iconic bike race with our jargon-busting quiz

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