The Tour de France Grand Depart Trophy

Le Tour de France, the third largest sporting event in the world, is coming to Yorkshire this Summer on 5 and 6 July. It promises to be a spectacular event. Not only will visitors be able to see more than 190 cyclists setting off on the 3,500km (2200 miles) race, but there will also be a Tour de France caravan leading the way with a procession of 180 floats.

The tour starts in Leeds on 5 July and takes riders on a trip around North and West Yorkshire, finishing in Harrogate. The following day Stage 2 begins in York and riders will circle Leeds and Bradford ending up in Sheffield while Stage 3 – the final stage in Britain - starts in Cambridge and finishes in London on 7 July.

For more info see: Le Tour de France

To celebrate this fabulous event the Tour de France Grand Depart trophy is on show at Wakefield One, Burton Street until Saturday 10 May.

The trophy on display at Wakefield One

The trophy is held each year by the area or city hosting the start of the race. It has been on display in Bradford, Harrogate, Richmond, and Calderdale.


The countdown to the Grand Départ on July 5 will feature a 100-day cultural festival celebrating the best of the region’s culture including some artists from the Wakefield district. 

Wakefield Museum is hosting a programme of events including:

Le Grand Depart

Until October 2014

Free entry

To celebrate the Yorkshire Grand Depart, we are wheely  pushing the bikes out!  See special cycling displays including a penny-farthing and a bicycle used by cycling legend Barry Hoban to win a stage of the Tour De France.

Penny farthing c1878

Le Grand Depart Art walk

Pop into Wakefield Museum on 28 May between 5 and 7pm and take part in cycling themed events.  There will be drumming, wire sculpture and a short play.  You can also book a place on The Need for Speed talk….

Need for Speed: The Victorian Lady Cyclist

Wednesday 28 May, 6.00pm – 7.30pm

Wakefield Museum, Learning Zone, Wakefield One, Burton Street, WF1 2DD

Experience freedom as you cast off your chaperone, sit astride your steed and embrace the new thrilling craze of the bicycle. This lively talk embraces the lives and clothes of the emancipated, cycling women of Victorian England, including the daring few who donned the shocking Bloomer Suit!

This event is free but booking is essential, please call 01924 302700.