Travel and Transport plans for the Grand Depart

File photo dated 22/07/12 of Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins of Sky Pro Racing (yellow jersey), rides with team mates Mark Cavendish (right), Chris Froome (left) and Bernhard Eisel (second left). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday December 16, 2012. Not only did Wiggins deliver a first British Tour de France victory, but he did so with elan. See PA story SPORT Christmas Cycling Wiggins. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

As part of an overall travel plan being overseen by TdFHUB2014 Ltd working with all transport partners, rail operators have today released information to allow spectators to prepare how they can travel to watch the world’s largest annual sporting event when it begins in Yorkshire on July 5-6 before heading to Cambridge and London on July 7.

Information released today for stages one and two can be seen at www.letouryorkshire.com, which hosts all the latest news and details to help spectators make the most of the event.

Travel and transport information will be able to be accessed through the site, including a live journey planner which will be available from early June and real-time traffic updates on the weekend of the race itself.

Chief executive of TdFHUB2014 Ltd Nicky Roche said: “The Tour de France is going to be an incredible event to watch and we want as many people as possible to enjoy these historic three days. We are very pleased to now be able to start releasing this travel and transport information and would encourage anyone wanting to watch the race to read the guidance carefully.

“I’d like to thank all the transport agencies we are working with for their fantastic support in helping us to stage a wonderful experience which everyone watching will never forget.”

Aside from rail information, local authorities all along the route are currently in the process of releasing final road closure details and guidance for their areas. Bus timetables to be in operation around the event will also be released shortly.

The key message being stressed in all the travel and transport information is for spectators to prepare well in advance where they wish to watch the race and how they plan to get there.

Roads will be closed in most areas from early morning and for a minimum of eight hours, although this will be longer in start and finish locations.

The information to be given in the final weeks leading up to the race will include guidance on how to travel to locations by car, bus or rail and also how to access any of the 20 Grand Départ Spectator Hubs along the routes of the first two stages.

Head of Integrated Transport at the Association of Train Operating Companies Conrad Haigh said: “The Tour de France coming to Britain is a great occasion and the rail industry has worked hard with the organisers to help as many people as possible travel to the event by train. Many train companies will be running extra services or adding additional carriages to provide more space for regular passengers and spectators alike. We are firmly committed to helping ensure that the Grand Départ is a success.”

For the latest information on the Grand Départ of the 2014 Tour de France including travel and transport guidance, visit www.letouryorkshire.com