Let’s Get Cycling - Tour de France champion Froome backs bike campaign

Chris Froome, champion of the 2013 Tour de France, wants people across Yorkshire to embrace the world’s greatest cycle race by saddling up long-term to create a lasting Le Tour legacy.

We are calling on families, schools and businesses across the region to get involved in our landmark initiative by taking to two wheels and sharing pictures and stories with us to encourage others to do the same.

Let’s Get Cycling has a growing number of big name supporters including the Olympic silver medallist road racer Lizzie Armitstead and Team Sky’s head nutritionist Nigel Mitchell.

Froome, the man to beat when the Tour sets off from The Headrow in Leeds on July 5, said: “Whatever level you’re at, whatever your interest, get involved.

“Dust off the old bike from the garden shed and get out there and show your support to this fantastic scheme.”

Backed by everyone from health bodies and local councils to cycling superstars and Grand Depart organisers, Let’s Get Cycling aims to help change the fact that at present only 13 per cent of people in Yorkshire get on their bike on a monthly basis.

Froome, who underlined his reputation as Tour favourite by winning the Tour of Oman last month, added: “That’s what cycling is all about, enjoying being out on the bike and enjoying being out in nature and we want to see more people out on the roads.

“Even for cyclists at our level, it gives us an added incentive when we see people out on their bikes enjoying the sport and the hobby, so get out there and show your support.”

You can tweet your pictures and comments to our @WakeExpress Twitter handle using the hashtag #tdfyorks, post them on our Facebook page or email [email protected].

For more information on how to sign up visit our websites and look out for more stories during the coming weeks.