Around 230,000 people packed into the city centre to cheer the riders on their way, with another two million spectators lining the rest of the event’s Yorkshire route. A report by Leeds City Council and UK Sport showed the 2014 Grand Départ boosted the county’s economy by more than £100m, with further long-term benefits predicted as a result of increased tourism, profile and trade deals. Leeds is now set to make sporting history as the host location for the Grand Départ of 2027’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The first ever visit to Britain by the world’s biggest women’s professional cycle race will get under way in the city on July 30 next year, organisers have revealed. READ MORE: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Grand Depart
Gareth Preston, area manager of Jointline who had painted the Grand Depart start line on The Headrow. He is pictured with Coun Lucinda Yeadon and Coun Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. 2014 Grand Depart
The Tour de France flag flies at the Leeds Town Hall. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
9. 2014 Grand Depart
Lee Stones won the Best Landmark shot in the Yorkshire Evening Post/Sky Leeds Tour de France photography competition. | Lee Stones Photo: Lee Stones
10. 2014 Grand Depart
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William and his brother Prince Harry, look on as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon at the Ceremonial start of the Tour de France. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. 2014 Grand Depart
Crowds waiting for the start of the Tour de France at Harewood House. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. 2014 Grand Depart
Team Giant-Shimano rider Marcel Kittel before the start. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson