Sheep provide the crowd scenes in a new video unveiled today (October 23) that celebrates the huge choice of fantastic road cycle routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

 

They were drafted in as extras along with a fish and chip van and a barking Border collie called Bonnie to appear in the four-minute film, which features commentary by national TV cycling celebrity Phil Liggett.

 

The video has been produced by North Yorkshire-based Fridge Productions for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and follows a group of riders as they cycle along sections of next year's Yorkshire Grand Départ of the Tour de France route.

 

The film's launch coincides with the confirmation in Paris today that the start of the Tour would be in Yorkshire, including the Grand Départ that will see the world's top cyclists pitting their skills against each other through the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.

 

Phil said: "Being a part of this film has reminded me of the wonderful cycling terrain in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The spectacular scenery makes for great rides and it will be an extra treat for the thousands of people who come along to watch the Grand Départ.

 

"Fantastic cycling in a fantastic part of the country - it couldn't get any better."

 

The video can be viewed by going to the National Park Authority's website www.cyclethedales.org.uk. 

 

The Grand Départ Stage 1 will leave Leeds on July 5 for a breath-taking, 190 kilometre ride through the National Park to Harrogate. The route will go along Wharfedale, Bishopdale, Wensleydale and Swaledale, with climbs over Kidstones from Wharfedale into Bishopdale, Buttertubs Pass from Wensleydale to Swaledale and then out of Grinton towards Leyburn.

 

And on the following day the cyclists will skirt through the southern edge of the National Park as they ride past Bolton Abbey on their way from York to Sheffield.

 

The YDNPA is working hard with local communities and district and parish councils to wow the thousands of people expected to turn out for the event - which also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the creation of the National Park.

 

Local communities are busy preparing their own celebrations and the National Park Authority is offering grants to parish councils along the route to go towards the cost of staging Tour-de-France-related events.

 

National Park Authority Chairman Peter Charlesworth said: "It is really exciting that the route has been confirmed so that we can concentrate on making this a memorable event for the Dales and their residents and visitors.

 

"It has brought home to us how soon it will be upon us and the preparations that need to be made. We can see now that it really is going to happen and we will seize the opportunity to bring the maximum possible benefit to our wonderful National Park."

 

"We are fortunate that this route will showcase all that is best of the outstanding landscape we are privileged to live in and care for."

 

National Park Authority Chief Executive David Butterworth said: "It's great news to have confirmation of the route. Along with colleagues in other agencies we can now continue with the detailed preparations to ensure that we put on a world-class event that will showcase Yorkshire in general - and the National Park in particular - in all its spectacular glory.

 

"Of course, this news also means that those communities that want to make the most of the event can get on with their preparations, and we look forward to helping where we can."

 

Earlier this year the YDNPA launched a revamped Cycle the Dales website for cyclists and visitors wanting to explore the National Park on two wheels ahead of next year's event. The website - at www.cyclethedales.org.uk - contains a huge range of routes along with downloadable maps and descriptions, and information about classic hill climbs and the Tour de France.

 

The National Park Authority has also been helping cafés, accommodation providers and tourist attractions by providing free bike stands and bike rings to install outside their premises to offer bike-friendly facilities for the increasing number of visiting cyclists.

                                               

Sustainable Tourism Officer Meghann Hull said: "We have had a fantastic response to the offer and all the equipment has been snapped up. We now have some basic cycle repair kits available that businesses can lend to visitors."

 

Any business owner interested in applying for a kit can phone Meghann at the YDNPA's Colvend offices in Grassington on 01756 751600. She can also be contacted for more information about the grants to parish councils.

 

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For more information, please call the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Media Officer Nick Oldham (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays) or the Communications Team on 01756 751616.

1. All Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority media releases can be viewed online by visiting www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
2. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK.

It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has two main purposes: "to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage" and "to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park". In carrying out these purposes, the Authority has a duty "to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities". The National Park Authority comprises 22 members, made up of county and district councillors and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to represent parishes or in recognition of their specialist skills or knowledge.