DAVID Cameron has insisted he will do everything possible to promote the Tour de France when it visits England - except wear lycra.

The world famous cycling event starts with a stage between Leeds and Harrogate on Saturday and will remain in Yorkshire on Sunday before Monday's third stage sees the riders travel from Cambridge to London.

And Prime Minister Mr Cameron told the Commons: "I think it's brilliant the Tour de France is starting in Yorkshire, I think it's going to be a fantastic event for our country, but it's also going to be a great advertisement for Yorkshire and all that Yorkshire has to offer.

"I'm very much looking forward to going myself and seeing some of the race and some of the preparations.

"I think it's going to be a magnificent event and I'll do everything to promote it - apart from wearing lycra."

The PM was replying to a question from Liberal Democrat Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West), who tried his hand at speaking French.

Mr Mulholland said to Mr Cameron during Prime Minister's Questions: "This weekend the cities, towns and villages of Yorkshire will be alive to cries of 'Allez! Allez!' as the world's greatest annual sporting event passes through our county.

"Will you join the enthusiasm for people of Le Grand Depart taking part this weekend and agree this is a wonderful way to build a legacy for cycling and encourage more people to get on their bikes?"