Tour of Britain a magnificent opportunity to promote Helmsley - George Jabbour
As the Tour of Britain returns to Helmsley, our local community has been working hard to replicate last time’s triumph and make this spectacular event as successful as four years ago.
One of the tasks that gave me immense pleasure shortly after my election as a North Yorkshire Councillor for Helmsley in 2022 was to volunteer my time to work with various stakeholders, including the organisers, Helmsley School and local groups, to prepare for the Tour of Britain.
Prior to 2022, the last time this renowned cycling competition had visited Yorkshire was in 2009. After 13 years, everyone was incredibly excited that Stage 4 of the 2022 race was finishing in Helmsley.
We planned a number of initiatives and projects as huge crowds descended on our beautiful market town on September 7, 2022.
The whole experience was a phenomenal achievement that brought the community together in celebration, pride and joy.
I commented at the time that I was confident that this prestigious bike competition would return in the near future.
Therefore, I was over the moon when it was announced earlier this year that the fourth stage of the 2026 Tour of Britain would start in Helmsley.
This came on the back of tremendous effort that many of us have put in over the past few years to build on the 2022 legacy and to shout about our breathtaking and welcoming area.
As the race travels through the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills National Landscape on September 5, 2026, the media coverage will tell the world how stunning our countryside is.
To ensure that the event is another major coup, we are again doing everything we can to seize this splendid opportunity.
We are running a decoration competition for people to display the colours of the Tour of Britain: red, white and blue.
On the day, a free Pump Track would allow families and anyone passionate about cycling to have fun, exercise and improve their riding skills. Local groups and voluntary organisations will have stands in the Market Place.
To make this moment even more special, the Heart of Helmsley project, a £200,000 initiative that is being delivered by the Howardian Hills National Landscape Partnership, will officially launch on the same day.
The scheme, which was awarded a grant of £150,000 from the Mayoral Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, will provide access improvements, particularly for multi-generational families and those with restricted mobility or other additional requirements.
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “By supporting Heart of Helmsley, we are helping to deliver a vibrant market town where all feel welcome; visitors, residents, young or old, and particularly those with additional accessibility needs.”
While the Tour of Britain is due to start at 11am, the town will be buzzing well before then.
As soon as the cyclists leave Helmsley, we will have a packed schedule of activities, including live music, street performance and outdoor games. A big screen will be showing the race as it travels across North Yorkshire, and the Town Crier will be in attendance. Next Saturday will be a fabulous occasion to showcase what we can offer, promote Helmsley and raise the profile of our magnificent part of the world.
George Jabbour is a North Yorkshire councillor.