Le Tour Essex - county council launches Tour de France website, kids to learn about the race at school

Essex County Council has set up a website giving full details of the Tour de France’s journey through the county on Stage 3 of the race in July – and it has also produced an information pack for schools to enable children to learn all about cycling’s biggest race.

The website, at www.LeTourEssex.com, provides background information on the raced, etails of road closures, events and activities being staged ahead of the Tour’s visit on Monday 7 July on its way from Cambridge to London, and locations of big screens.

It also gives details of local cycling clubs for those who are inspired to get fit, reports the Herts & Essex Observer.

Councillor Ann Naylor, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Tour de France is the most exciting sporting event taking place in this country in 2014 and it is fantastic Essex is a part of it.

“I believe this website will help get everyone excited about the Tour, and give them all the information they need to make the most of this unique event.

“It is also a great resource for anyone who wants to take up cycling, encouraging more people to get on their bikes and get active.

“The website is an essential guide to the Tour de France coming through Essex and I encourage everyone to visit the site to plan how they can support it and enjoy the day.”

The education pack being sent to schools comprises two booklets, one giving information about the Tour, the other having suggestions of how lessons can be planned to coincide with it. The pack also has details of Bikeability training.

Aimed at children at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, subjects include maths, French, science and history, and the race’s links to art and culture are also explored.
The pack will be sent to all schools on the Tour’s route in Essex, while others in the county will be able to access it online.