Queen of peloton backs bid to get Yorkshire pedalling

We are calling on families, schools, communities and businesses across the region to get involved in our landmark initiative which aims to encourage a Tour de France cycling legacy that will see thousands more people take to two wheels.

Armitstead, who won the hearts of the nation with a gutsy display in the women’s road race at the London 2012 Olympic Games, was plucked from obscurity by British Cycling talent spotters at the age of 16 having only ridden for fun before that.

And now the 25-year-old, from Otley, is hoping Yorkshire gets behind our campaign.

She said: “Let’s Get Cycling is a great initiative to get more people on their bikes.

“It would be great to see more people participating in cycling and hopefully one day some youngsters watching the Grand Départ could cycle in the Tour in the future – anything is possible.

“As a county we’ve produced some of the best cyclists in the world and we’re very proud of our cycling history, so hopefully the initiative and the Tour will encourage this even more.”

Backed by everyone from health organisations and local authorities to cycling superstars and the Grand Départ organisers, Let’s Get Cycling aims to help change the fact that at present only 13 per cent of people in Yorkshire cycle at least monthly.

Armitstead added: “For me, Yorkshire’s the best cycling destination in the world; the scenery’s beautiful and the terrain is tough, relentless even, but it’s training in these conditions that makes Yorkshire’s cyclists such strong competitors.

“It’s important we take this chance for the world to see that and to get as many people involved in cycling in the future – whether it be competitively or just for fun.”

Email [email protected] to get involved in our campaign.