Video: ‘Having the Tour de France in York is a massive deal’

Our new film captures the city’s excited anticipation as the countdown to the Tour de France begins in earnest.

Presenter Miles Salter, the YorkMix columnist and director of York Literature Festival, tours the city and talks some of the people throwing themselves into the cycling spirit.

Bedecked by bunting and dotted with yellow bikes, the ancient streets have never looked more beautiful as captured by the camera of Camille Sainsbury, of film production and photography company Origems Creatif.

Head of Visit York Kate McMullen tells Miles that the Grand Départ, which takes place in the city on Sunday, is expected to generate £100 million for Yorkshire.

“Even more important for York is the legacy this can bring,” she says.

“Visitors that may never have visited York before are coming to see the Tour.

“We want them to come back and experience everything York’s got to offer – and at the same time we can position York and Yorkshire as a real hub for cycling in the country and within Europe.”

Joe Richardson of York City Screen talks about the cinema’s cycling events and screenings planned around the Grand Départ.

“Having the Grand Départ here in York is an absolutely massive deal,” he says. “It’s going to be really great for the city.”

Others talking to Miles about their enthusiasm for the event include Martin Harman and Adele Procter, who run Your Bike Shed, the Micklegate café and workshop.

As Miles says: “I wonder if York really knows what is about to hit it?”