WORKERS at the Tour de France in Yorkshire have been warned not to address tourists as 'love', 'mate' or 'darling'.
British cyclist Chris Froome won last year's Tour de France [PA]Some 12,000 people have signed up as 'tour makers' to help ensure the start to this year's race passes off smoothly.
The world's most-famous cycling event will visit Britain for its first three stages, having last come to UK shores in 2007.
But organisers have issued guidance warning volunteers to mind their language.
An online training module says: "Be confident and naturally friendly.
"Avoid using words such as 'mate', 'love' or 'darling' - they may sound friendly to you but they could offend some people."
Some tour makers have expressed surprise at the banning of certain terms.
This year's route around Yorkshire [PA]"Using the word 'love' isn't offensive or disrespectful, it's what makes Yorkshire people friendly and approachable."
The volunteer, who asked not to be named, dismissed the online training as "political correctness gone mad", and also criticised some of the multiple choice questions asked of tour makers.
He said: "There is one that asks you how you would respond if a lady in a wheelchair asks you a question.
"You are asked if you would ignore the woman and talk to the man pushing her instead.
"It's just ridiculous. What do they think we are?"
The volunteers will have a three-hour training session at Leeds Arena on May 24.
A spokesman for Yorkshire Tour organisers Welcome to Yorkshire said the county was well known for its warm welcome, but added: "We don't want volunteers to use language that may cause confusion for our overseas visitors."
The Tour's Grand Depart comes to Calderdale and Kirklees on Sunday July 6 and includes the iconic Holme Moss climb.
British rider Chris Froome will be hoping to repeat his success from last year, as he defends his title for Team Sky.
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