Bradford has been selected as one of eight hosts for the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire, meaning the city will either stage a start or finish during the third edition of the now annual race.
Over two million people turned out earlier this year to cheer on cyclists on the winding Yorkshire roads, while 11.4 million others watched on screens around the world.
With £60 million brought to the local economy via the race this year alone, Bradford’s political and community leaders praised the city’s involvement in next year’s May route.
Businessman, Amjad Pervez, of Seafresh and Breakthrough Bradford, said: “Anything that gives a positive image to Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region is good news.
“The Tour de Yorkshire is a sporting event as well as a publicity event. It will bring an economic benefit to the region, a health benefit, and everyone can join in – business, schools, you name it, so it’s a no brainer.
“I would say to everyone, ‘let’s join in, let’s make it successful’ and in that success there will be multiplier effect to the economy so we will all benefit.’”
Organisers from Welcome to Yorkshire made the announcement on Tuesday 25th October, with Bridlington, Fox Valley in Sheffield, Harrogate, Tadcaster and Scarborough also included as hosts.
A women’s race, set to be held on Saturday 29th April, will also be included in the event line-up.
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “In just two years, the Tour de Yorkshire has become one of the biggest and best races on the professional cycling calendar. Riders are overwhelmed by the support they receive on the roadside and the racing is among the most exciting you will see all season.
“The third edition will continue that progression and the attention it receives will be greater than ever given that we have just succeeded in bringing the UCI Road World Championships to the county in 2019.
“The world’s best cyclists will be using the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire as a first dress rehearsal for that and we’re planning a course that will challenge and impress them in equal measure.
“I’m delighted the race will visit all four corners of the county and all six host towns will put on a brilliant show.”
The three-day men’s race is set to begin on Friday 28th April next year, concluding on Sunday 30th April.
The future of cycling certainly looks bright in the county, with Yorkshire also set to stage the UCI Road World Championships in 2019.
