Just seen this on Cyclingnews. We have hit the big time chaps…

Shock as Yorkshire Squad invited to 2012 Tour de France.

Cyclingnews understands that the UCI are about to release the final wildcard place to the 2012 Tour de France to Yorkshires finest Cycling club - Ravensthorpe CC.

The shock announcement, which will send shockwaves throughout the cycling world has come about following months of bitter legal wrangling with the Yorkshire club that have been kept under wraps until now.

Back in November 2010, whilst reviewing the Road Racing rules, Club Secretary Martin ‘Rusty’ Bolt, uncovered an often missed rule that brought about the ‘Thorpers invitation.

Rule 145.3.a Sub section 12b stipulates “Any club formed prior to 1899 with 10 or more members is to be automatically included within the selection process for the Tour de France. Should said club not hold the required points for selection, allowances should be made based on rider style, looks and ability.

With the help of legal experts and club members, D. Tomlinson (specialising in Animal law (in particular Goats)) and A. WhereistheHam (Trainee Receptionist), Councillor Bolt took the ruling, along with an application to the ASO for formal review. Due to the lack of Rider points, the application was backed up solely based on the quality, style and good looks of B.Blyth, the club’s star rider.

Following months of legal arguments the Court for the Arbitration of Sport finally ruled this morning that Ravensthorpe CC should ride the 2012 event.

Members of the cycling world have been giving their views on the controversial inclusion:

Mark Cavendish said on Twitter “Seen Thorpers inclusion in Tour. Pleased for Blyth, classy rider. #BetterthanthatchumpWareham.

Lance Armstrong said: Interesting news on Thorpers in TdF. After my doping over the years that Dutchman De Bokx will fit right in #Manloverules

Fat McQuaid commented; This is a monumental moment for the world of cycling. Seeing a club of this stature in the worlds biggest race can only help build the excitement in the UK.

When asked about the storm of controversy around expected rider D. Tomlinson, McQuaid was a little more coy, “He is a rider I have heard a lot about. As a sport we must embrace people of all types and having the first pre op transsexual male to female rider is something we can’t ethically turn down.

Comment from the proposed squad has been a little more forthcoming:

A. WhereistheHam said “I can’t wait, to get to ride with such talented rides as Blyth is such an honour and I can only hope to be able to support him effectively. The rest of us are really there just for him, and I must say I do fancy him a bit too. I have decided to pack in with Team Swat who I used to ride with as ever since the incident with the pig in the club showers, relations have been strained.

J de Bokx was in a bullish mood, “I am ready. Why wouldn’t I be? I am strong like bull and I have pills, I have lots of pills for everything I could ever need. You need pill? I give you pill to make you write faster.

When questioned about the stringent doping tests that were in place at next years event, De Bokx could only comment “I have pill for that”.

D Tomlinson wasn’t formally interviewed however was heard commenting to a colleague, “I am only really going because I love looking at all the others legs. When they are wiggling away in front of me, what more motivation could you want to pedal harder”. Tomlinson was then seen to walk across and punch fellow rider S.McCall in the face.

Finally, John Gledhill was involved in a bizarre interview, “I can’t wait to ride, I’m the best rider in the club and will win the race. No problem.” He then started licking the interviewers face before riding off in an attempt to drop a 7 year old girl who was passing. She dropped him. He then got off his bike and spent 15 minutes trying to find his own tail.

Watch out with interest to see how the Thorpers do next year…