WHARFEDALE clubs and local councillors have hailed the news that Yorkshire is to host another major cycling event.

The 2019 Road World Championships announcement was made by the UCI's President, Brian Cookson OBE, from Qatar - which is hosting this year's championships - last week.

The region's bid was made by Welcome to Yorkshire, British Cycling and UK Sport along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Its success means that some £24 million of investment, including the development of 27 cycle sport facilities across the UK, will be made by the Government.

Another £3 million of National Lottery funding will also be provided by UK Sport.

The possible route will be looked at by the UCI in more detail next year but Harrogate has been mentioned as one of the possible hubs.

Welcome to Yorkshire's Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity, said: "We will use some of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes but it won’t be possible to go to every town, city and village in the region.

"However, the objective is to visit every part of Yorkshire, north, east, west and south."

He added: "Yorkshire has shown it can host world-class events with the Grand Départ and Tours de Yorkshire, and now the county has been chosen to host the nine-day UCI Road World Championships in 2019.

"We have got the scenery, the crowds, and the warm welcome, and we are sure the world’s best riders will love the challenging roads we have to offer."

Otley Cycle Club Press Secretary Jill Birch doesn't think Otley will feature in the route, but is sure the town and wider region will benefit regardless.

She said: "The club was delighted to be invited to the Welcome to Yorkshire press conference where the success of the bid was announced.

"The Championships will build on the momentum already created in the region, by the Tour De France and the Tour De Yorkshire, in increasing the popularity of cycling which has seen the club double in membership over the past four years.

"The UCI will be looking at potential routes early next year."

Bradford Councillor Jack Rickard MBE (Con, Craven), meanwhile, is hopeful Wharfedale can play a central role.

He said: "The news that Yorkshire is to host the 2019 World Road Cycling Championships is fantastic news.

"It will be bigger than the 2014 Grand Depart and Bradford Council must do all it can to ensure that Wharfedale is central to the event.

"Competition to host the hub will be strong but we have the best natural facilities and extremely strong local support and energy, which can be readily re-galvanised.

"The benefits are obvious - tourism revenues to start with.

"But long term, sustainable improvements in people's health are a welcome side effect, as is the potential savings to the health service.

"There's also a chance to fund legacy projects - work can commence on properly reviewing the chance to do something to connect Ilkley and Addingham by a proper and safe cycling and walking pathway."

The UK last hosted the championships in Goodwood, back in 1982.