2019 in Leeds: the year of sport
This year has been dubbed the year of sport for Leeds. Not only is the city hosting the Cricket World Cup, but it’s also going to be home to the Union Cycliste Internationale World Championships and the Women’s American Football European Championship too…plus a few other events to get your pulse raised. Here’s all you need to know!
It’s just not cricket…oh wait, it is!
This one is going to keep you busy from May until August and there’s going to be a carnival as well! From 30 May to 14 July, Headingley Stadium will be alive with ICC Cricket World Cup action. Whether you’ve never been a cricket spectator before or you’re a seasoned pro, expect to consider yourself an expert by the summer. There’ll be four big matches for you to get your teeth into. Howzat?
And when you’re feeling sad that it’s all over, you’ll be able to dry those tears and console yourself with the Third Specsavers Ashes Test Match (yes, that mouthful!). Where? Headingley Stadium; When? 22 to 26 August; What? England versus Australia. Great stuff!
Swim, cycle, run…the triple-threat triathlon
Leeds’ most famous sporting exports? Well, the Brownlee brothers are up there. On 8 and 9 June this year, the World Triathlon Series returns to the city for the fourth year. Cheer on the athletes in the weekend sunshine (fingers crossed) and you might even be able to spot a few Team GB Olympic hopefuls (yes, Tokyo 2020 is just around the corner). This really is a great way to see the city come to life.
On your bike
This one’s a tandem. The first date to flag is Tour de Yorkshire. Yes, it’s back again and it’s going to be a good one! From 2 to 5 May, the best in cycling talent will take to the roads of our fair county. You’ll be able to spot some of the route in Leeds as stage four finishes in the city. Remember to secure a good spot on the Headrow!
We promised you two cycling events, so here’s the second. The UCI Road World Championships. Nine days of biking action from 21 September and Leeds is one of the locations on the route. Get out and about by train or hire yourself a run-around. It’s definitely worth seeing the dramatic scenery of our lovely county!
Women’s American Football
Right, this one’s a curveball but bear with us. Leeds is set to host the IFAF Women’s American Football European Championship on 18 August at John Charles Centre for Sport. If the closest you’ve ever got to the sport is staying up late to see the Super Bowl, this event will be right up your street (you can stay on GMT for one!). If you’re not sure, here’s a run-down of the rules, thanks to good, old reliable Wikipedia.
And another thing…
Not only will the city be host to some big tournaments and events this year, we’ve got even more good sporting news! Leeds Rhinos have a brand new south stand as part of the Headingley Stadium redevelopment. It’s pretty impressive and is set to make match days even more special. As well as that, Leeds United seem to be going pretty strong this season and at the time of writing (we know things can change) may well be on their way up. Fingers crossed!
Which sporting event are you most looking forward to?