Le Petit Depart cycling sportive is back for its seventh year on Sunday 5 June, celebrating some of the very best cycling in the Yorkshire Dales.

The event is run by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers from Skipton Cycling Club (SCC) and has a proven track record, having been attended by more than 3400 cyclists in previous years.

After two years off due to Covid, organisers are aiming to pull out all the stops to deliver another memorable cycling celebration through the spectacular Yorkshire Dales countryside.

Cyclists choose from two fantastic routes, both starting and finishing at Craven Cattle Mart, Skipton:

• 80 Mile Challenge - Follows a significant part of the 2014 Tour de France stage 1 & 2019 UCI World Championship routes, with 3 climbs and 4 dales.
• 38 Mile Scenic - A relatively flat route (just 1 or 2 hills!), past Bolton Abbey and through the magnificent Upper Wharfedale valley. This route is a favourite with the Club and it also featured in the Grand Depart.

Pre-booking is essential at: https://lpd.skipton.cc  The event will raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope to support their services providing expert palliative care, advice and support for local people who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.

The Bruce Dinsmore Team Challenge trophy will be awarded to the team with the best average speed, in memory of the former SCC member who was instrumental in founding Le Petit Depart.

Entry fees: 80 Mile Challenge: £35 per person / 38 Mile Scenic: £25 per person. Team entry option also available with a £10 discount per team of 5 riders.

Entry fee includes:

• 2 TORQ feed stops, and 1 extra feed stop.
• A free meal at the finish.
• Chip timing and rider number.
• Commemorative event Buff available to buy at the event.
• Ample car parking.
• Prizes worth £900 drawn on the day, including the chance to win a bike from Chevin Cycles.
• Official event photographer.
• Massage at the finish.

For more bookings and more information, please visit https://lpd.skipton.cc or facebook.com/lepetitdepart