ONE of the world’s greatest sporting events could be coming to Huddersfield.
Tourism chiefs are close to securing a deal that would bring the Tour de France to Yorkshire in 2016.
And a cycling enthusiast has called for Huddersfield to be included in the route taken by riders in the famous race.
The opening two days of the Tour de France – known as the Grand Depart – are held outside France once every two years.
Welcome to Yorkshire announced on Saturday that race organisers have agreed to visit the county.
The tourist board’s chief executive Gary Verity said: “I can confirm that we are having advanced talks to host the Tour de France.
“Those in-depth discussions are ongoing but I can reveal Yorkshire’s bid has been positively received by the organising committee.”
Welcome to Yorkshire has drawn up a provisional 224-mile route taking in Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales, Scarborough, York, Hull and Sheffield.
But Clr Martyn Bolt is determined that Huddersfield should get a piece of the action.
The Mirfield Conservative said: “I think Kirklees has a very strong case for inclusion.
“We have Holme Moss, which is considered an iconic climb among British cyclists.”
Clr Bolt added that the cycling event should pass through Mirfield, hometown of Brian Robinson, the first British rider to complete the tour and the first to win a stage.
He said: “I think it would be a fitting homage to the achievements of Brian Robinson.”
Clr Bolt believes Huddersfield people would welcome the event to the area.
“I think the tour would be very welcome here,” he said.
“We would pack the hills to watch the cyclists.
“There is usually a mass participation ride either before or after the professional race, which would be a huge boost to tourism in the area.”
