Thousands of Tour Makers are from today (Monday) being kitted out with special Tour Maker uniforms and taking part in role training ahead of one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the Tour de France, coming to the UK in July.
An army of volunteers has been recruited to help the millions of visitors who will watch the biggest annual sporting event in the world when in starts in Yorkshire on July 5 and winds its way through the UK to London and back to France.
Tour Makers are attending role training sessions in Leeds at Elland Road Stadium and collecting their uniforms, designed by Yorkshire-based supermarket Asda, who have backed the project by helping to recruit and clothe the volunteers.
The volunteers have been allocated roles such as Route Marshal, Flag Marshal, Wayfinders, Crossing Marshals and Supervisors.
The uniform includes a blue polo shirt, green jacket, black trousers, baseball cap, bag and water bottle.
Becky Clarke, Tour Maker, said: Now we’ve got our uniforms it all seems so real, so roll on July 5 – I’m so excited! I can’t wait to just jump right in and actually get started, and to say I’ll be part of the Tour coming to Yorkshire is just incredible.
Richard Mason, Asda’s Tour Maker Project Manager, said: We’re so proud of the volunteers and the enthusiasm that they have demonstrated during the Tour Maker programme. As a company with strong Yorkshire roots, we wanted to help make this volunteering opportunity happen and we were delighted to share our expertise in the areas of recruitment and clothing. It will be a proud moment for the volunteers, local communities and indeed Asda.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: We’ve been blown away by the passion and dedication the Tour Makers have shown already. Now, there’s a real sense of excitement building among them as they complete their training, get their uniforms and prepare for an experience they’ll never forget.
Tour Makers are being managed by the TdFHUB2014Ltd, the not-for-profit company set up by UK Sport to co-ordinate planning for the opening three stages in the UK.
Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman TdFHUB2014 Ltd, said: The Tour Makers’ contribution to Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Tour de France will have a phenomenal impact on the success of the event. It is fantastic to see so many of them attending the first Role Specific Training session today and great that we have been able to send them off kitted out with their George at Asda uniforms. Asda has made a tremendous difference to the Tour Maker programme and we are grateful to them for their support in recruiting, training and providing a uniform for each of the Tour Makers.”
The next step in the Tour Makers’ journey is the final one when they roll into action for Yorkshire’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France on July 5 when the race leaves Leeds for Harrogate and Stage Two on July 6 when it travels from York to Sheffield. Stage Three on July 7 goes from Cambridge to London.
The three stages will see Tour Makers welcoming visitors at key locations and transport hubs, and helping the millions of spectators along the routes enjoy the event.
For more on Yorkshire’s Grand Départ and Stage Three see www.letouryorkshire.com
