There is a very good reason why Le Tour de France and the UCI World Championships came to Yorkshire: Join us and find out.

Welcome to Le Petit Depart - a cycle event celebrating the very best cycling the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and of course following in the wheels of the spectacular 2014 Tour de France: Grand Depart and the 2019 UCI World Championship Road Races.  Le Petit Depart will follow the same route north of Skipton as these races.

Starting from Skipton, Le Petit Depart offers Two fantastic routes to cater for most abilities.

This Year the event will be going back to its roots and running an 80 miler for those who need a bit of a challenge, and a scenic 38 miler for those who want to enjoy the Dales scenery (still with on for two hills!). 

The 80miler follows a significant part of the Tour de France stage 1 and 2019 UCI World Championships route taking you over 3 climbs and along 4 dales. From the head of Wharfedale the route goes over Kidstones, the first official climb of the 2014 Tour de France.continues along the Wensleydale to Reeth, before returning to Skipton via the impressive Ribblehead viaduct, the quaint market town of Settle and the lovely Malhamdale. The route returns to Skipton via scenic villages and fast run back into Skipton. 

Quote: Alastair Humphreys- born and bred in Yorkshire Dales, round the world cyclist and adventurer:

“Riding your bike in the Yorkshire Dales is a truly wonderful and joyous thing.  I’ve ridden around the world visiting 60 different countries and the Dales are one of the prettiest and most beautiful places to cycle.  Enjoy Le Petit Depart it's a great event.”  http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/ 

Scenic Ride - this 38 mile route follows the Grand Depart route up and back down the magnificent Upper Wharfedale valley, stretching right up into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.  The return ride takes you back past the stunning Bolton Abbey. 

“This ride is a regular Sunday favourite for our Club rides, it’s relatively flat and takes you up and back one of the most beautiful Yorkshire dales”

Skipton Cycling Club Chair

Enter in December or January and take advantage of our Early Bird discount.

Ride information

There will be regular feedstops on all routes.  It will be fully signposted and have mechanical support at the start and on route at feedstops. All riders get a ride number, all rides will be full timed and will have great route marking.

There is ample parking at the venue and 80mile Sportive riders will get some fabulous Yorkshire fodder at the end of the ride (extra £5 for Scenic entrants). Scenic Riders can purchase an event Buff, and other event items for under £5 each at the event.

There will be some special event momentos and spot prizes.

Here's what riders said about our event:

"We thought that we should let you know how much we enjoyed this day. My wife rode her first event in the recreational ride and I did the Sportive.

I have ridden in many cycle events one of which being in Belgium. I can honestly say that this event was by far the best organised event I have entered. The atmosphere and sense of community spirit was excellent. The feed stations were absolutely fabulous. I can not express strongly enough that you guys did a great job.

In one word.... BRILLIANT!!!"

Info for Riders

The event HQ will open at 7am for car parking and sign on.  Riders can then depart for the 80miler between 8am and 9am and for the 38  ride between 9am and 10am

This year Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is our designated charity.  They provide expert palliative care, advice and support for local people who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. This specialist care and support are free to the users but Manorlands needs to raise £2.1 million per year, to keep this essential provision in our local area.  Please either chose the £5 Charity Contrubution entry option when you enter or email Adam Brunskill for one of their excellent fundraising packs adam.brunskill@suerydercare.org

Full event details are on the website. Full rider information pack sent out mid May. The event will be offer the same fantastic package as 2019 including: 2 TORQ Feedstops and 1 extra feedstop Free meal at the finish for Sportive Riders Rider Timing (chip timing for both rides) Rider number, Event Buff to buy at the event. Ample car parking at event HQ Prizes worth £900 drawn on the day, Official Event Photographer Massage at the finish. Friendly and knowledgeable Skipton Cycle club members.