Published: Fri 04 Jul 2014 at 14:57
Updated: Fri 04 Jul 2014 at 15:00
A cycling team from Jet2.com took part in the ‘tour de runway’ bicycle race, organised by Leeds Bradford Airport on Thursday 3 July.
The special event took place to celebrate this year’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France from Leeds. It marks the first time a race has ever been staged at the airport’s runway in its 83-year history.
The 3km race saw over 40 staff competing from the airport, its airlines and businesses. Being tracked by a Multiflight helicopter overhead, the competition sped into an exciting finale with Blair Buss from the airport fire station taking first place.
Blair was awarded with a yellow Tour de France t-shirt, which was very fitting, as the event was also timed to promote donations to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance by coinciding with its Wear It Yellow Day.
The Jet2.com team also made a gallant effort in the rankings of the race. Team Captain, Chris Tomlinson, led the way by achieving a very respectable fourth place with Gavin Priestley narrowly beating Jonathan Alcock in sixth place. Meanwhile, Jennifer Gaunt was the fastest female in the competition. Unfortunately, James Corden couldn’t keep up the pace, and languished in last place at the finish line.
Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development & Marketing Director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We are very proud to have the world’s largest sporting event come to Yorkshire. Leeds Bradford Airport wanted to commemorate this great event in a way that the whole airport community could get involved. It was fantastic to see so many of our staff, airlines and business partners come together to have fun on their ‘tour de runway’ today.”
Jet2.com flies to over 45 destinations from Leeds Bradford Airport.
