Monday 28 October 2013 Following the official publication of the route le Tour de France will take through Yorkshire in its opening stages next year, plans are underway to make the most of GSAL’s vantage point on the route. Le Grand Départ on Saturday 5 July will see the ceremonial start to the race outside Leeds Town Hall. The peloton will then ride from the city centre along Scott Hall Road and Harrogate Road to Harewood, passing directly outside GSAL’s school gates. GSAL will mark the occasion with La Grande Fête, which will kick off on the evening of Friday 4 July when camping will be available in the school grounds for people who want to start the fun early and guarantee a good view of the next morning’s peloton. On Saturday 5 July a family orientated day of activities will be held for parents, pupils, staff, alumni and others with a close link to the school. Plans include a fairground, sports tournaments, music and drama performances and other activities to create a range of entertainment throughout the day. Special spectator areas will also be created to enable visitors to get a first class view of the riders as they race past the school gates. Helen Clapham, director of external relations at GSAL, said: “This will be quite a spectacle! We really want to be a part of such a momentous occasion and to show our support for what will be the largest event to come to Yorkshire. “We would love to welcome our alumni to join us for the event. Our plans are still in their early stages, but watch this space for more details over the coming months.” Alumni News
