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'Tour Makers' sought as Asda partners with Welcome to Yorkshire for TDF volunteer programme

Deputy PM Nick Clegg launches volunteer programme today; deadline to apply is 31 December

Asda, the supermarket chain based in Leeds, is to partner with Welcome to Yorkshire to launch what they say is the first-ever ‘Tour Maker’ programme as the region prepares to host the Grand Départ of next July’s 101st edition of the race – and its not too late to take part.

The scheme, which seeks to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help ensure next year’s Tour’s opening three days go smoothly and echoes the Games Makers who played such a big role in the success of last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, has been formally launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg this afternoon.

The Liberal Democrat leader, who represents Sheffield Hallam, was joined by one of the top riders Yorkshire has produced, Malcolm Elliott, who hails from the city that will host the finish of Stage 2 of next summer’s race.

Mr Clegg said: “You can already sense the buzz and excitement right across the country as we get ever closer to Yorkshire’s Grand Départ – and the launch of the Tour Makers and the public’s response to it already is evidence of that.

“I would urge anyone interested in this scheme to put their names forward now.

“The eyes of the world will be on Yorkshire when the peloton sets off from Leeds and spends two days racing around the county before finishing in Sheffield, and then racing from Cambridge to London.

“It promises to be an historic, spectacular event and really cements our nation as a global sporting leader.”

Applications to become a Tour Maker for any of the three stages in England can be made here – the deadline is 31 December. Roles might include meeting and greeting visitors at airports, or supporting the emergency services or National Park rangers.

Asda, founded in Leeds more than 60 years ago and which still has its head office in the city, will be helping to recruit volunteers, as well as training them and providing their uniforms, which will be exclusively designed and supplied under the George range.

The supermarket operator’s chief marketing officer, Stephen Smith, said: “We are really proud of our Yorkshire roots and it’s such an honour for Asda to be involved in a first for Tour de France, by supporting the Tour Makers in such an iconic sporting event that’s on our doorstep.

“Every day, each of our 200,000 colleagues go the extra mile, delivering great service and we wanted to share some of this experience by playing a major role in supporting the thousands of volunteers who will help to make the Yorkshire Grand Départ of the Tour de France a huge success – I personally can’t wait,” he added.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive, Gary Verity, said: “It is great to have secured a partnership with Asda, a firm whose roots are inextricably linked with Yorkshire and who understand what this sporting moment will mean to the county.

“Yorkshire will be at the centre of the global stage next summer as the world’s largest annual sporting event starts in the county.

“Two to three million people are expected to line the routes of the three stages in England and the Tour Makers will play a hugely important role in welcoming the world to our proud county and giving them a memorable experience during their stay.”

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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9 comments

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leeleejaspero | 10 years ago
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I have put my name down as a volunteer but since asda have become involved I now can't be arsed with it,don't think i'll look too good in a bright green fleece with 'happy to help' on the back!  39

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Bob's Bikes | 10 years ago
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I'm going to add to the whinging (yes you spell it with an h  4 ) I find it strange that Asda are the sponsors considering they don't have cycle parking facilities at my local superstore and have not even responded to my polite enquiry (with the exception of an automated response) as to whether they will put something in place.

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tourdelound replied to Bob's Bikes | 10 years ago
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FATBEGGARONABIKE wrote:

I'm going to add to the whinging (yes you spell it with an h  4 ) I find it strange that Asda are the sponsors considering they don't have cycle parking facilities at my local superstore and have not even responded to my polite enquiry (with the exception of an automated response) as to whether they will put something in place.

Funny you mentioned cycle parking at Asda. I went to get a few things at my local Asda last Friday when I finished work. Although they had a couple of bike stands, each taking four bikes, they were both full. Not wanting to hang around, I decided that if they didn't supply adequate parking for their customers, I wasn't going to be an Asda customer.

How much do a few bike stands cost compared with a car park holding a couple of hundred motor vehicles?

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Guyz2010 | 10 years ago
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I might be watching sadly cannot support, would if I could.
Jeez there are winging commentators on this website. Chill out!

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Guyz2010 | 10 years ago
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I might be watching sadly cannot support, would if I could.
Jeez there are winging commentators on this website. Chill out!

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Gus T | 10 years ago
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Rather than moaning on a public forum, I rang the Organisers & was told that they will be contacting the Tour Makers in January. Still doesn't sound as good as "boo hoo no ones contacted me"

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Ghedebrav | 10 years ago
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Hmm... I stuck my name down too, but on reflection I think I'm going to just spectate. I've volunteered at the ToB before and sometimes you end up basically doing nothing of any use, except you're stuck in the rain and have to stay in a certain area.

Also, I know corporate sponsorship is important and good and whatnot, but for some reason Asda depresses me a bit.

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Chris James | 10 years ago
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That's a lovely picture of Sutton Bank. Obviously the Tour route doesn't go anywhere near the North York Moors, but it IS a lovely picture all the same.

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Leodis | 10 years ago
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I did put my name down, not heard a thing but I'd rather be watching the race than stuck in some random car park directing cars.

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