Those are the words of Mike Hughes, the York-based cyclist who’ll be cycling Stage One of the Tour de France on 5 July, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mike took time out of his training schedule to pay a visit to Acomb Fire Station and City of York Council on Friday, where employees had already got into the Grand Départy spirit for Marie Curie Mike’s visit coincided with the Fête du Tour, which celebrates all the places on the Tour de France route.

Mike said: “I’d love it for individuals and businesses around York to follow the example of the Council and the Fire & Rescue Service by organising their own Grand Départy event. Let’s turn York yellow!”

He added: “People should meet a Marie Curie nurse – raising money for their incredible work seems a fitting way to celebrate the arrival of Le Tour in Yorkshire.”

Anyone can host their own Grand Départy!

Whether it’s getting on your bike, turning your street or business yellow, or speaking French for the day … the possibilities for having fun and fundraising along the way are endless.

Simply visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/tourdefrance or call 0845 052 4184 to request your fundraising pack and resources.

To simply donate £5 to Marie Curie, text “TOUR” to 70007 (terms and conditions apply).

All the money raised as part of the Grand Départy will help Marie Curie provide more free care to those living with terminal illnesses as well as emotional support to their families.

You can sponsor Mike in his ride in the Marie Curie Power Peloton by visiting www.justgiving.com/mjdhughes or text MJDH64 £5 to 70070.