Le Tour: Stage one a ‘massive success’ as a million spectators line the route

The Tour de France getting underway in Leeds

The chairman of TdF Hub 2014 Ltd has hailed stage one of the Tour de France a “massive success” which has set the tone for the rest of the schedule in Yorkshire.

Initial estimates show that more than a million spectators lined the route from Leeds to Harrogate on Saturday, with more than 230,000 cramming into Leeds city centre.

Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of TdF Hub 2014 Ltd, said: “It has been a massive success with well over one million people enjoying the sporting action along the route.

“Spectators had a fantastic day they will never forget and Yorkshire has been showcased to a massive global audience.

“It has taken a huge amount of planning and teamwork, so thank you to all of our partners, and especially our stewards and the Tour Maker volunteers for all of their hard work.

“it has set the tone for the next two days, and we look forward to seeing more huge crowds lining the route to watch the world’s best cyclists in action.”