The Tour de France sets off in Yorkshire in 30 days time and final preparations are under way.

Councils in both Huddersfield and Calderdale are finalising plans to cater for the world’s cycling fans.

And the urgent message from both with the Tour de France is just 30 days away is: Plan early.

They have urged people wanting to watch the world famous race to be prepared to set off hours in advance.

Some 150,000 people are expected to descend on the area when the Tour hits town on Sunday, July 6, and complex plans are being drawn up to cater for the spectators.

Most are expected to pick roadside vantage points as the world’s best cyclists make their way over 120 miles of Yorkshire roads on Stage 2 of Le Grand Depart. The route will include Ripponden, Elland, Ainley Top, Huddersfield ring road, Lockwood, Honley and Holmfirth.

But both councils are planning huge “fan parks” or spectator hubs, while many pubs, clubs and organisations are hosting special Tour events.

There are also going to be hundreds of road closures and parking restrictions and organisers are advising people to get to their chosen spot as early as possible.

In Huddersfield the fan parks are in St George’s Square and at Sands recreation ground in Holmfirth.

Calderdale fan parks are in Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Mytholmroyd, Ripponden and Elland.

anyone can go and watch the Tour from the side of the road, but in some of the moorland stretches there could be long walks of up to 3-4 miles from car parking areas.

Both councils are closing scores of roads and parking on or near the routes will be restricted.

In the Holme Valley, tens of thousands of people are expected to walk up to the stretch from Holmbridge to the top of Holme Moss.

A Kirklees spokesman said: “ Whilst anyone can stand at the roadside to watch the Tour, in many places there will be a long walk to car parking.

“Some of the terrain may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. A better option might be to head towards one of our Grand Départ Spectator Hubs, which come with entertainment, toilets, food and drink and big screens so that you are able to move around, as well as watch the race on screen. Please note there are no specific viewing areas for people with a disability at these locations.

“Parking for the spectator hubs is in the usual car parks across the town centre. You cannot reserve sites; you are advised to arrive early to be sure of a space, well before 8am) Normal parking charges apply.

“You are more likely to get a place on the roadside if you avoid the busiest locations. We expect the busiest places to be Ainley Top, Huddersfield ring road, Holme Moss, and from Holmfirth to Holmbridge”.

The Leader of Calderdale Council, Clr Tim Swift, said:“Our spectator hubs are a great way of getting in the spirit of the Tour de France and there will be lots going on”.

Find out more about the race in our special Tour De France section here.

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