The head of ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympics has been drafted in to oversee a major launch event for the Yorkshire Grand Depart of this year’s Tour de France.

Organisers are planning the biggest-ever Tour team presentation two days before the Grand Depart, which will see the Tour will pass through the district on the weekend of July 5 and 6.

The event on Thursday, July 3, will be held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds which hosted the recent BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, also overseen by Martin Green.

Gary Verity, of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “By the time the teams take their place on the stage, people will truly realise how massive this event is for Yorkshire and globally.”

People can register for tickets at letouryorkshire.com/teampresentation.