The Grand Départ comes to Yorkshire in just two weeks time and thousands of Tour Makers are taking part in role training here at Elland Road ahead of one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

An army of volunteers has been recruited to help the millions of visitors who will watch the biggest annual sporting event in the world, The Tour de France when in starts in Yorkshire on July 5 and winds its way through the UK to London and back to France.

Tour Makers are attending role training sessions at Elland Road and collecting their uniforms, designed by Yorkshire-based supermarket Asda, who have backed the project by helping to recruit and clothe the volunteers.

The volunteers have been allocated roles such as Route Marshal, Flag Marshal, Wayfinders, Crossing Marshals and Supervisors.

Becky Clarke, Tour Maker, said: "Now we've got our uniforms it all seems so real, so roll on July 5 - I'm so excited! I can't wait to just jump right in and actually get started, and to say I'll be part of the Tour coming to Yorkshire is just incredible."

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the agency who led the winning bid to bring the Tour de France Grand Départ to Yorkshire and came up with the Tour Maker idea, said: "We've been blown away by the passion and dedication the Tour Makers have shown already. Now, there's a real sense of excitement building among them as they complete their training, get their uniforms and prepare for an experience they'll never forget."

Tour Makers are being managed by the TdFHUB2014Ltd, the not-for-profit company set up by UK Sport to co-ordinate planning for the opening three stages in the UK.

Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman TdFHUB2014 Ltd, said: "The Tour Makers' contribution to Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Tour de France will have a phenomenal impact on the success of the event. It is fantastic to see so many of them attending the Role Specific Training sessions at Elland Road and great that we have been able to send them off kitted out with their George at Asda uniforms.  Asda has made a tremendous difference to the Tour Maker programme and we are grateful to them for their support in recruiting, training and providing a uniform for each of the Tour Makers."

The next step in the Tour Makers' journey is the final one when they roll into action for Yorkshire's Grand Départ of the Tour de France on July 5 when the race leaves Leeds for Harrogate and Stage Two on July 6 when it travels from York to Sheffield. Stage Three on July 7 goes from Cambridge to London.

The three stages will see Tour Makers welcoming visitors at key locations and transport hubs, and helping the millions of spectators along the routes enjoy the event.

For more on Yorkshire's Grand Départ and Stage Three see www.letouryorkshire.com