Tour champion seeks recruits for chain gang

Chris Froome, winner of the 2013 Tour de France, wants people across the region to embrace the world’s greatest race by saddling up to create a lasting Tour legacy.

Let’s Get Cycling has a growing number of big name supporters including Otley’s Olympic silver medallist road racer Lizzie Armitstead and Team Sky’s head nutritionist, Nigel Mitchell.

Froome, the man to beat when the Tour sets off from Leeds on July 5, said: “Whatever level you’re at, whatever your interest, get involved. Dust off the old bike from the garden shed and get out there and show your support to this fantastic scheme.”

We are calling on families, schools and businesses to get involved in our initiative by taking to two wheels and sharing pictures and stories with us to encourage others to do the same.

Backed by everyone from health bodies and local councils to the Grand Départ organisers, Let’s Get Cycling aims to help change the fact that only 13 per cent of people in Yorkshire get on their bike on a monthly basis.

Froome, who underlined his reputation as Tour favourite by winning the Tour of Oman last month, added: “That’s what cycling is all about, enjoying being out on the bike and enjoying being out in nature and we want to see more people out on the roads.

“Even for cyclists at our level, it gives us an added incentive when we see people out on their bikes enjoying the sport and the hobby.”

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