THE Tour de France hit Hull this morning as around 100 support team members arrived at King George Dock ahead of this weekend's eagerly anticipated Grand Depart.
The cycling showcase is the world's biggest annual sporting event and will begin in Yorkshire for the first time since it was launched in 1903.
On Saturday, July 5, the world's elite cyclists will begin their quest for glory between Leeds and Harrogate. Stage two will begin on July 6 and will race between York and Sheffield.
Leading various team members, sponsors, and event equipment off the ferry in Hull today was Cyrille Tricart, head of operations for the Tour de France.
He said: "We are absolutely delighted to be here in Hull.
"This year's Grand Depart is as far north as we have ever began the race. It is the third biggest sporting event in the world and we are really happy to be starting here in Yorkshire.
"We chose Yorkshire because of its diversity of landscape and the enthusiasm of people in the county. We were very excited by Yorkshire's bid and we are looking forward to what will be a great event starting.
"This is a huge opportunity for Yorkshire. The people will not realise just how big this event is until it is right there in front of them.
"It is nice to arrive in Hull and be greeted by the Lord Mayor and others. We will now head to Leeds and begin preparations for the race on Saturday."
Tens of thousands of people will fill the streets and roads of Yorkshire over the weekend.
Stage three will see riders pedal from Cambridge to London. The race will then cross the water to France, where it will run down the eastern side of the country before making its way back up north, where the winner will be crowned in Paris.
Britain's Chris Froome won the event last year and is once again expected to feature strongly this year.
Lord Mayor of Hull, Mary Glew, said: "The fact that Hull is the first place in Yorkshire to greet so many of the Tour de France crew is absolutely brilliant.
"We are hugely excited about this event coming to our county and it is great to get a slice of that in Hull."
It is understood most of the competitors themselves will be arriving in Dover.
• The Tour de France entourage arrives at King George Dock in Hull
