THE NEWS that Wharfedale will host key parts of the Yorkshire 2019 UCI Road World Championships has been hailed by local sports groups and politicians.

Ikley's MP John Grogan (Lab, Keighley) said: "The Men’s Road Race is one of the Blue Riband events of the World Cycling Championships.

"It is a matter of great pride that in September 2019 it is coming to Ilkley and the surrounding villages.

"The whole event will be live on the BBC and pictures will be broadcast around the globe.

"Innsbruck, which is currently hosting the world championships, looks spectacular but I am sure panoramic views of God’s Own County will be even better next year.

"All we need now is at least one Yorkshireman to qualify for the British team."

Otley Cycle Club's Press Secretary, Jill Birch, said: "All of us at the club are really excited that both the Men's and the Women's Elite races will be coming through Otley.

"Seeing the professional cyclists who are at the top of their game cycling along 'our' roads is very special indeed.

"We have many different cycling activities within the club but road racing is the one that really inspires our younger riders.

"Our junior and youth race teams have had a very good season this year and the prospect of seeing the World Championships next September will be hugely inspirational.

"Otley Cycle Club were asked to take part in the promotional video for the World Championships by Yorkshire 2019, and we are very proud to have many of our members featuring in this video.

"It shows Yorkshire at its finest and after its launch last week it has had thousands of views around the globe.

"Hopefully this will help encourage lots of people to visit our beautiful county."

Club Captain Brian Keighley added: "To see Lizzie Deignan race through her home town and past the school where her talent was first spotted will be very special.

"Having the top two races in the world, the Tour de France and now the World Championships, come through Otley is a great tribute to the town."

Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "Once again the town council is delighted that a prestigious cycling event is visiting Otley - not once, but twice this time and the UCI World Championships are certainly up there in terms of prestige.

"It is a huge honour for Yorkshire to host this important event and we will be very pleased to play our part, show off our town again and give all the participants a warm reception as they pass through.

“Events such as these are increasingly important for the local and regional economy and they do a great job in raising the profile of Yorkshire and boosting visitor numbers.

“Welcome to Yorkshire's past successes with the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire have clearly influenced the decision of UCI to bring the World Championships here, and again we acknowledge the great work done by Sir Gary Verity and his team in securing this prestigious event.

“Bring it on!”

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) said: "It’s great that the men’s and women’s elite races are passing through Otley, building on the success of the Tour de France and the tour de Yorkshire.

"It will be great for Yorkshire crowds to see the best riders in the world, many of whom are from the UK including our own Lizzie Deignan."

Ilkley Cycling Club Chair Euan Mackay said: "This is indeed fantastic news.

"The 2019 UCI Men’s Elite Road Race follows Stage 1 of the Grand Depart Tour De France of 2014.

"We fully expect the crowds spectating to be as big before.

"Ilkley will be a popular and accessible location to see the riders in the Men’s race and I know that many club members will then cycle to Harrogate to see the finish.

"There will be eight consecutive days of bicycle racing in our region.

"Harrogate will be very popular as all races will finish in the town centre and each road race will see riders negotiate a challenging 14 kilometre course in and around the town.

"We might not have the mountain views seen just recently in Innsbruck but we will have many, many more spectators cheering on the racers."

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) added: "I very much welcome the event coming to the local area.

"It is great for the local economy and for the investment it will bring to the Leeds area in general as well as the spin-off of getting children interested in the sport.

"With a worldwide audience, once again we will be able to showcase the beauty of the area and what we have to offer.

"I am sure that the organisation will be first class, and that any disruption to local residents going about their everyday lives will be minimal.

"There are a lot of cycling enthusiasts and those who just like watching these events who live locally and who will really enjoy seeing another world class sport coming to the area.

"It is great that Cookridge is going to be part of the route this time as it will bring the cyclists to an area of Leeds that hasn’t featured in the Tour de Yorkshire route.

"I still remember the fantastic turnout the city had for the Grand Depart, and for the last few years local residents have welcomed the Tour de Yorkshire to the doorsteps of Adel and Wharfedale, flocking in high numbers to the many wonderful vantage points. We have also been proud to have many visitors coming to the area."