THE first-ever Tour de Yorkshire was a huge cycling success – and new figures have proved it was a spectacular money-spinner too.

Research has shown the three-day event last May generated almost £50 million for the areas it passed through – including Ilkley and Otley – as spectators dug deep into their pockets.

Enthusiasts spent £20.5 million on accommodation along the route and a further £29.5 million on other items, such as food and drink, souvenirs and transport.

The race was born from the astonishing success of the Tour de France’s 2014 Grand Depart, which showcased the region to a worldwide audience.

And the Yorkshire race shared similar success, with 1.5 million people lining the routes and many watching more than one of the three stages.

Top riders covered a distance of about 515km, and planning for a second Tour de Yorkshire next year is already at an advanced stage.

Tourist body Welcome to Yorkshire was a major force behind the event. Chief executive, Sir Gary Verity, said: “These are tremendous figures for the first edition of the Tour de Yorkshire.

“To generate £50 million on race weekend and attract many visitors to the county just demonstrates how popular cycle racing in Yorkshire has become and how valuable hosting the races is to our regional economy.”

He added: “Preparations for next year’s race are coming on well and we can’t wait to announce the full route on December 9. The race will be a fantastic event for spectators and will be one the best riders in the world want to compete in.”

Attending the race also had a major impact on spectators themselves, with 60 per cent of them saying they were inspired to cycle more frequently and more than 50 per cent inspired to attend other sporting events.

And 95 per cent of spectators who responded to a survey said they were more likely to recommend Yorkshire as a place for friends and family to visit.

Planning is well underway for the 2016 edition of the race, which will see a new route through different parts of Yorkshire, part of the race’s remit to showcase the entire county.

Host towns for starts and finishes in 2016 will include Otley, along with Middlesbrough, Settle, Scarborough, Beverley and Doncaster.

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