People are taking garden gnomes in the shape fo Marcelo Bielsa around the world- and you can get one for yourself before they sell out for the final time.
The 'El Loco Gnome' is a humble garden gnome business that sells small batches of limited edition variations of Marcelo Bielsa.
Typically, gnomes end up at the back of the garden tossed aside, only to be found when planting your spring bulbs, but these little garden gnomes have been popping up on the internet for their being placed in locations far from Leeds.
The little Bielsas have been spotted around the world in locations from the Grand Canyon to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The gnomes are tagged on the 'El Loco Gnome' Instagram page with updates about where the owners of the gnomes have been taking their prized possessions.
Since November, little Bielsa gnomes have been spotted in households in Buenos Aires, Argentina, touring the Vegas strip in Nevada and made appearances on television and at concert.
The El Loco Gnome company stemmed from humble beginnings eighteen months ago but has since become a worldwide symbol of the much-loved Leeds United manager.
The Owner has said on their website that:
"The idea of the El Loco Gnome was thought up in HELL..(Ikea in Leeds) on the day of the Barnsley home game in the title run in.
With Leeds heading for the Championship title and the creator about to finally get on the property ladder, a tribute to the manager who was to end 16 years of misery was needed for his new garden.
Image: El Loco Gnome
Work began on The EL Loco Gnome the next day. It has since taken 5 months of work to get it right and looking like a perfect likeness to MB.
The prototype was shown to fellow Leeds supporters and the feedback was second to none with The Gnome handed around like a new born baby and many wanting their own."
Now that the manager has now left the club, the gnomes are entering their 'farewell edition'. The gnomes need to be pre-ordered and will be shipped in June.
Each gnome costs £25 and are exclusively available from the El Loco Gnome website.
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Sophie Smith -
14th March 2022 
