There is a very good reason why Le Tour de France came to Yorkshire in 2014: Join us and find out.

Welcome to Le Petit Depart - a cycle event celebrating the very best cycling the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and of course following in the wheels of the spectacular 2014 Tour de France: Grand Depart.  Le Petit Depart will follow the same route north of Skipton as Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour du France .

Starting from Skipton, Le Petit Depart offers two fantastic routes to cater for all abilities.

The 80 mile Sportive Ride follows much more of the Tour de France stage 1 taking you over 3 climbs and along 6 dales. From the head of Wharfedale the route goes over Kidstones, the first official climb of the 2014 Tour de France. It continues along the Stage 1 route to Reeth, before returning to Skipton via the impressive Ribblehead viaduct, the quaint market town of Settle and the lovely Malhamdale.

Quote: Alastair Humphreys- born and bred in Yorkshire Dales, round the world cyclist and adventurer:

“Riding your bike in the Yorkshire Dales is a truly wonderful and joyous thing.  I’ve ridden around the world visiting 60 different countries and the Dales are one of the prettiest and most beautiful places to cycle.  Enjoy Le Petit Depart it's a great event.”  http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/ 

Scenic Ride - this 38 mile route follows the Grand Depart route up and back down the magnificent Upper Wharfedale valley, stretching right up into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.  The return ride takes you back past the stunning Bolton Abbey. 

“This ride is a regular favourite for our Club rides, it’s relatively flat and takes you up and back one of the most beautiful Yorkshire dales”

Skipton Cycling Club Chairman

Enter in January and take advantage of our Early Bird discount.

Ride information

There will be regular feedstops on both routes.  It will be fully signposted and have mechanical support at the start and on route.  All riders get a ride number, both rides will be full timed and will have great route marking.

There is ample high quality parking at the venue and Sportive riders will get some fabulous Yorkshire fodder at the end of the ride (extra £5 for Scenic entrants).  Riders can purchase an event T-shirt, event water bottle for just £5 each or our special event jersey when you enter.

There will be some special event momentos and spot prizes.

Here's what riders said about our event:

"We thought that we should let you know how much we enjoyed this day. My wife rode her first event in the recreational ride and I did the Sportive.

I have ridden in many cycle events one of which being in Belgium. I can honestly say that this event was by far the best organised event I have entered. The atmosphere and sense of community spirit was excellent. The feed stations were absolutely fabulous. I can not express strongly enough that you guys did a great job.

In one word.... BRILLIANT!!!"

Info for Riders

The event HQ will open at 7.15am for car parking and sign on.  Riders can then depart for the 80miler between 8am and 9am and for the 38mile ride between 9am and 10am

Each month we have a range of spot prizes for that months entrants from £50 vouchers to Hope products. Latest prizes on facebook page, enter now to be in for a chance to win Full event details are on the website. Full rider information pack sent out mid May. The event will be offer the same fantastic package as 2016 including: 2 TORQ Feedstops and 1 extra feedstop Free meal at the finish for Sportive Riders Rider Timing (chip timing for both rides) Rider number, Event T-shirt, Water bottle to buy when you enter and special Event cycle top option too. Ample car parking at event HQ Monthly Spot prizes worth £350 Official Event Photographer Massage at the finish. Friendly and knowledgeable Skipton Cycle club members.