Back in August, Yorkshire’s Festival of Cycling was announced, a new cycling festival to be held in the grounds of Harewood House during next year’s Tour de France Grand Départ. 

The festival will offer guided rides to give fans the chance to watch the first two stages of the race from the best vantage points and tickets are now on sale.

Cycling fans at next year’s Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling will witness the Tour de France first-hand, after it was confirmed the route for the Grand Depart will pass through the grounds of Harewood House.

Staged in partnership with Cycletta organisers, Human Race, the three-day festival takes place from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6 in the House’s grounds, which, as confirmed at the official Tour presentation, also forms part of the route of stage one from Leeds to Harrogate.

The festival, one of a number of activities organised to coincide with Yorkshire’s Grand Depart, will host 10,000s of cycling fans with activities taking place throughout the weekend.

Camping will be available to visitors, while a large Expo featuring both major and emerging cycling and outdoor brands will be housed on-site.

Action from the first two stages will be broadcast live on big screens, while rides will be organised from Harewood House to allow festival-goers to watch stage two, from York to Sheffield, on the race route.

On-site entertainment including films, live music, interactive cycling demonstrations and inspirational talks are also planned alongside various rides throughout the weekend.

The Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling will offer sportives for all abilities, a women-only Cycletta, criteriums, children’s events, mountain biking, duathlons and trail running.

Harewood House will also house VIP hospitality for corporate guests and individuals.

Christopher Newton, Director of Harewood Events Ltd, said, “Ever since Yorkshire won its bid to host the Grand Depart we have felt like an integral part of the 2014 Tour, so yesterday’s route announcement was an exciting day for everyone at Harewood House.

“We hope that the dual prospects of another vintage race and a third year of British success will encourage people to come along to see where it all begins and enjoy the unique atmosphere at the Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling.”

Tickets start from £18, with a range of tailored packages available for camping and participation in some of the activities on offer.

A ten metre by ten metre, standard three-night weekend camping pitch for up to eight people costs £145.00.

For more information on the Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling visit http://www.festivalofcycling.org.