Tour De France Fever has Arrived at 42

The Tour De France countdown is well and truly underway at 42 The Calls. Anticipation is growing in Leeds and we can’t wait to join the crowds at the start line on Saturday the 5th of July, which luckily for us is only a short 15 minute walk away from where we’re standing.

We anticipate the celebratory atmosphere to continue throughout the afternoon and into the night in true Yorkshire style! We’ve already been enjoying the cycling inspired events Yorkshire Festival 2014 has offered and are looking forward to so many more. The Cyclism exhibition at Leeds Gallery launched earlier this month with an array of graphic design prints, illustrations, photography, jerseys, custom built bikes… and even delicious bicycle biscuits. With a ‘Bike’ writing competition, a play written in homage to local born world pursuit champion Beryl Burton and even an ‘edible’ bike ride in neighbouring York, stopping at sites of local growing initiatives for veg and herbs, there’s definitely an event for all enthusiasts!

On the big day itself, you can get a little closer to the action by heading down to the start line to see the teams signing in…as the perfect photo opportunity, we might even sneak in a selfie with Froome! It’s no secret that the earlier you arrive to an event of this scale, the better the view, however, even if our soft feather duvets and luxurious cotton bed sheets keep you enraptured a little longer than hoped, there’s no need to panic with a mere seven minute walk from the hotel to the City Centre Loop, which is only half a mile from the starting point.

 Cheers of excitement will be echoing throughout the route in Leeds, however, we recommend The Headrow as the destination for the unmatchable exhilaration of feeling the wheels rush by, seeing the rainbow of jerseys and knowing you were there for the start of the world’s most watched annual sporting event. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a relaxing Tour De France experience Scott Hall playing fields will be hosting a family friendly hub close by to the route, with a large screen ensuring unrivalled views alongside stage entertainment, children-friendly activities from British Cycling Go Ride and local cuisine - all only an 11 minute drive away.

 Much like the teams…however, to a lesser degree, we’ll be stocking up our energy reserves to ensure we can last the distance and wave off our favourite cyclists in what will be an unmissable atmosphere, followed by a day of celebration. From 8am, Team 42 will be sampling seasonal sausages from Lishman’s of Ilkley as part of a full, hearty Yorkshire breakfast and a cup of coffee or two, before the short walk and long wait that’ll be worth every minute.

 We can’t wait to see who’ll be wearing the yellow jersey by the end of the first day…