Nobody really knew what to expect when the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France was brought to the streets and country roads of Yorkshire, but no one was disappointed with what they saw on 5 July.

As you can see in the video the county took the chance to host this most prestigious of events and embraced it to the fullest…

With Union flags, St George’s crosses and White Rose flags lining the streets, all who came gave the riders the greatest of send-offs ahead of their journey out of Leeds, through the rolling hills of North Yorkshire before ending the opening stage in the spa town of Harrogate.

The reception for the cyclists, who can still be backed in the sports betting for the gruelling final stages, will be something the competitors will surely remember until they decide to hang up their helmets.

This most unique of events was an occasion that will be brought up by the people in this video and through the county whenever the Tour de France is on our screens again.

Wherever they take the opening stage next, Yorkshire has set the bar high and it’s up to those to come to try and top it….

Good luck!