Welcome to the first episode of my new series, where I follow the full route of Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour de France!
In this video, we begin at the historic start line on The Headrow in Leeds, right by the iconic Town Hall. Due to local traffic restrictions, I’m walking the first part of the route — but soon after, we jump into the car and drive the rest, retracing the exact path the riders took over a decade ago.
About the 2014 Tour de France:
The 2014 edition of the Tour de France kicked off in the UK, with the Grand Départ taking place in Yorkshire. Stage 1 began in Leeds and traveled north through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, ending with a dramatic sprint finish in Harrogate. The race overall was eventually won by Vincenzo Nibali of Italy, with standout moments including tough mountain stages and the famous cobbled sections of Northern France.
About Stage 1:
Stage 1 covered a distance of 190.5 km (118 miles), starting at Leeds Town Hall and passing through picturesque towns like Otley, Ilkley, Skipton, and Masham before the riders battled it out in Harrogate. It was a thrilling day that captured the imagination of cycling fans around the world, especially with local hero Mark Cavendish’s dramatic crash just before the finish line.
Join me as I explore the route, discover bits of local history, and relive the spirit of one of cycling’s most memorable Grand Départs!
Subscribe for more stages coming soon!
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