William and Kate to officially start the Tour

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also be joined by Prince Harry at the beginning of the race

Published: June 30, 2014 at 8:00 am

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will officially start the Tour de France on Saturday, 5 July.

The trio will visit Harewood House, host of the Dare2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling, to meet competitors and officially get the race underway.

The news is a further boost to British cycling as the country gears up to host the first three stages of this year's big road race.

David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood, said: "I'm delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are coming to Yorkshire for le grand depart. We're very much looking forward to welcoming them to Harewood for the first time, to attend the ceremonial start of the Tour de France and to visit our Festival of Cycling.

"I'm sure the many thousands who will be here will give them a wonderful Yorkshire welcome!"

The Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling runs from 4 to 6 July with many people expected to attend and watch some of this year's Tour de France as the peleton rides through Harewood's grounds. For more information, visit the Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling website.

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