Launch of Grand Depart stage from Leeds brought forward

The start time for the Leeds to Harrogate stage one of the Tour de France Grand Depart has changed, with just hours to go until the big race.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Jul 2014, 17:44 BST

Chris Froome (right) leads Team Sky through Millennium Square ahead of the Team Presentation at Leeds' First Direct Arena on Thursday. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The amendment means that the send off from The Headrow, in Leeds city centre, will now take place tomorrow at 11.05am – five minutes earlier than previously stated.

Organisers Amaury Sport Organisation advised that the change be made “to allow for additional time at Harewood House”, where the competitive element of the stage ceremonially starts at 12noon.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will join delegates for the ceremonial start of the 101st Tour de France at Harewood House, near Leeds, as a global TV audience of billions watches on tomorrow.

The timings previously stated for the rest of the route from Harewood will remain the same.