Last update on. From the section Cycling
Yorkshire hosted the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart, the last Tour to Britain.
The UK will bid to host 2026 Tour de France Grand Depart.
The funding confirmed by the government for the English Rugby Football Union's bid at hosting the 2025 World Cup has been confirmed. RFU plans to stage "best-attended women’s Rugby World Cup" ever.
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of Exchequer, will announce this week a 30m funding package to support both bids.
Sunak stated, "I am excited about the prospect of bringing additional world-class sporting events into the UK."
On Wednesday, the chancellor will announce the bids. He says the move is designed to increase investment in the UK and boost British sport.
He said, "That's why i'm backing these biddings." "Our bids will cover events across the country, and I'm optimistic that everyone will have the chance to cheer for their sporting heroes."
In 2014, the UK's last Grand Depart was held in Leeds. Then came stages that ended in Sheffield and London. In 2007, the UK's first Grand Departure was held in London.
The Grand Depart alternates between France and other countries. The first two to four stages are usually held in the country where the race is taking place before it moves to France.
France hosted the Grands Departs the previous two times. The 2021 start was moved to Brittany due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2022 start will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Bilbao, Spain, is scheduled for 2023.
The UK Grand Depart will include stages in England and Scotland, with 95% of investment coming from outside south-east England.
Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary, said: "We support both ambitious bids for funding because they will allow people to see world-class sports on their own soil and will host such prestigious events that will boost local economies and jobs."
The budget will also include an additional 11m to support the bids of the UK and Republic of Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup.
Despite England being banned from playing in a single match because of unrest at Wembley during Euro 2020, the government insists that England's bid for the 2030 World Cup is "very strong".
