Volunteers needed for stages of Tour de France Femmes

Thousands of volunteers are needed for the UK legs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grands Departs in 2027 - including in Leeds for the women's race.

The Tour de France Femmes peloton will begin Stage One of the 730-mile (1,175km) race at The Headrow before winding its way over the Pennines to Manchester. Stage Two will then take the riders to Sheffield.

Organisers said the volunteers, dubbed JOY Makers, would be the "heartbeat" of both races and roles range from flag waving to working behind the scenes.

Former Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, JOY programme ambassador, said: "It really touches my heart because I would not be here if it wasn't for volunteering."

Chinyanganya started his media career volunteering at various events including the 2012 Olympics in London.

He said of the volunteering programme: "It's people from the North, the South, black, white, Christian, Muslim, young, old, everyone in between - it is just brilliant and people are there to give back."

The 38-year-old said Sheffield was especially important to him as he had covered the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible.

He said: "Almost 50% of the country will be within two hours' drive of the race.

"But it isn't just about the race itself, there are opportunities outside of it, opportunities to really champion your city so you never know who you're going to meet and what it can lead to."

Le Tour GB is seeking 9,000 volunteers across England, Scotland and Wales to take part in both races and jobs will also include helping spectators with road crossings, welcoming visitors, event management and community involvement.

While most of the race takes part in the towns, cities, countryside and mountains of France it often starts in a different country - this is known as the Grand Depart.

Anyone aged 16 and over can apply to be a JOY Maker and there is also a "readiness to work" scheme for those aged 18 to 25 as part of its social impact programme.

A spokesperson said the project would provide a "comprehensive package of employability skills, training and career-focused mentoring" for young people.

Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, said: "This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community."

The Tour de France men's race famously began in Leeds in 2014, before covering a route that took in areas of the Yorkshire Dales.

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