An extraordinary fleet of vehicles are required to keep the Tour de Yorkshire on the road.
Welcome to Yorkshire and The Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O) has teamed up with the Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos partner Global to keep the cavalcade motoring on during one of cycling’s biggest races.
The partnership will see Leeds-based Global, a leading vehicle fleet management specialist, provide a breathtaking array of vehicles, valued at a cool £2,600,000 for this year’s Tour de Yorkshire. From the iconic red BMWs that will run with the riders to the vital support crews, technical teams and medics, every one will have been supplied by the new Official Vehicle Partner.
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of race organiser, Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Delivering a world-class spectacle on this scale takes some effort – we have 40 teams and 260 professional riders to look after. Over four days they will cover 438 miles of glorious but challenging Yorkshire roads in front of millions of spectators.
“Everything is rigorously planned – the support vehicles are like instruments in an orchestra – everyone has a role to play and the better the instrument, the better the performance. The fleet we have this year from Global is fabulous, and their technical support has been invaluable.
“Last year’s race generated £64 million for the local economy, and now it’s been extended from three to four days, the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire promises to be the biggest and best one yet.”
Global has become synonymous with sport across the region. They already sponsor Leeds United and the Leeds Rhinos, so the tie-up with Welcome to Yorkshire and Le Tour, should come as no surprise. The business may have become a significant enterprise, but it is still owned and operated by founder and MD Geoff Bloore, who is rightly proud of the company’s Yorkshire heritage.
Global’s Commercial Director Stephen Chater said: “The Tour de Yorkshire has really exacting mobility requirements – the race is fast-paced, high-tech and extremely well organised – we bring the same commitment to our vital role in delivering the operational support that underpins this great event as we do every day to our customers that depend on our fleet management capability to support them running their business.
“We feel really privileged not just to have been selected to deliver for the race, but also showcase our ability to the region. Sport at the highest level is synonymous with Global and our values and we are delighted to be the Official Vehicle Partner of the Tour de Yorkshire.”
Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the Tour de France said: “I enjoy coming to Yorkshire and the county always puts on a tremendous show. This year’s route features a dramatic and varied parcours which takes in some of our country’s most spectacular terrain. Our technical team are particularly pleased with this year’s fleet and the support available from Global.”
In addition to supporting the Tour, Global hopes to raise awareness for the Official Tour de Yorkshire charity the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As an ex-Yorkshire police officer, MD Geoff Bloore has a genuine appreciation for this life-saving asset. The business will be collecting for the Air Ambulance at key destinations and trying to promote the charity with vehicle liveries through-out the race taking advantage of the fact the race puts Yorkshire and its heroes on the world stage.
