Le Tour: Flying in from around the world

Excitement is mounting in Ripponden and spectators are already lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the world-famous race as it flies through their home town.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jul 2014, 08:40 BST
Ready for Le Tour in Ripponden: Hazel, Hattie and Andrew Noble, of Hebden Bridge, with their specially decorated vanReady for Le Tour in Ripponden: Hazel, Hattie and Andrew Noble, of Hebden Bridge, with their specially decorated van
Ready for Le Tour in Ripponden: Hazel, Hattie and Andrew Noble, of Hebden Bridge, with their specially decorated van

Some have even travelled thousands of miles from Canada.

Dave Howson, 50, travelled to see the race from Sarnia, Ontario with his step dad and friends.

Dave’s step dad Brian Anniston originally hails from Pye Nest, but moved to Canada 40 years ago.

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“It’s the perfect place to watch the race from and definitely one of the friendliest places,” Dave said.

Anthony Pritchard, 69, and Phil Preston, 64, chanced upon Ripponden by accident.

Anthony said: “We were heading towards Huddersfield, but through bad map reading we’ve ended up here.

“But we are very happy to be here, its a lovely little place and we are delighted.”

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The Noble family from Hebden Bridge camped in their Tour de France themed van overnight to secure a prime position and Julie Entwistle and her family crossed the border from Lancashire to see the race.

“We’ve been here since 4.30am this morning,” Julie said.

“I have always been a fan of the Tour, but never had a chance to see it so it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Related topics:Canada