Curse de Yorkshire

What’s the matter with me? Why am I not slavering at the mouth in gushing enthusiasm for next week’s ‘Tour de Yorkshire?’ It can’t be because I’m anti-cycling – I’ve been a member of Cycling UK (what was the CTC) for over 20 years. It can’t be because as a brand new sporting event, the ‘Tour’ still operates on gender divided lines. It can’t be because the event’s chief author, ‘Sir’ Gary Verity has resigned whilst at the same time repaying over £40,000 in expenses, and according to some people may face a police inquiry. It can’t be because both Welcome to Yorkshire, and the co-organiser the French Amaury Sports Organisation are financially unaccountable bodies. It can’t be because some supposedly cash strapped local councils can still pour millions into the event. It can’t be because its chief private sponsor this year is the aggressively pro-fracking firm, Ineos. It can’t be because our roadsides are adorned with signs saying ‘expect delays’ (this on a bank holiday weekend). It can’t be because people feel compelled to dig out old kids bikes, paint them yellow and dump them on verges (a better idea would be to create a bicycle bank, so kids in poor families can have bikes). It can’t be because the alleged financial benefit to Yorkshire of this event is grossly exaggerated (£98 million).
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No, it can’t be because of any of the above. It can only be because I am a grumpy old Tyke who was never invited in t’VIP hospitality tent. Tha nose.