Grimethorpe Colliery will be providing the sound of ‘Le Grand Depart’ to this year’s Tour de France cycle race, after it was revealed that the band has provided some of the accompaniment for the official song entitled, ‘The Road’.

Stirring

The work, commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire, is a stirring anthem featuring Yorkshire composer Alistair Griffin, Girls Aloud pop star Kimberley Walsh, string players from Leeds College of Music and Grimethorpe.

Alistair Griffin has a track record of writing for major sporting events, with 'Just Drive' being the catchy soundtrack to Sky Sports Formula 1 coverage, whilst the BBC recently chose his song 'What If' to back the images of Andy Murray's historic 2013 Wimbledon win.

Delighted

Grimethorpe MD, Dr Robert Childs told 4BR: "Everyone at Grimethorpe was delighted to be able to play such an integral part on the recording of what is sure to be an iconic theme to one of the world’s great sporting occasions. Alistair Griffin is a remarkable talent."

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire added: "All the performers on the recording are from Yorkshire, which reinforces the fact that Yorkshire is united in promoting the county and welcoming the Tour."

Everyone at Grimethorpe was delighted to be able to play such an integral part on the recording of what is sure to be an iconic theme to one of the world’s great sporting occasionsDr Robert Childs

Official release

'The Road' will be officially released in the lead up to the Grand Depart which takes place in Leeds 5th July.

You can view a video teaser at: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=1inh1vnUHAA.