The Tour De France, the greatest cycle race on the planet, is coming to Yorkshire. We know it's happening but it has felt like a fantasy.

Suddenly, there are just 100 days to go and the reality of what Yorkshire has achieved is beginning to dawn. And that achievement really is worth shouting about.

It is hard to imagine a better way of promoting a beautiful county than through one of the world's most iconic sporting events.

Those of us lucky enough to live in Yorkshire, or close enough to visit regularly, need no persuasion about its merits. But this is a global opportunity to showcase Yorkshire and plans are in place to make sure it is fully maximised.

Durham had its turn in 2013 when another wonderful county had a year to remember. The Lindisfarne Gospels came home and brought visitors flocking. Then the international spotlight shone as the Ashes arrived at Chester-le-Street to cap Durham's incredible rise as a first-class cricket county.

But 2014 is Yorkshire's year. History is being made and tourism in the county will surely never again receive a bigger boost. The challenge is to not only make the Grand Depart unforgettable but to put in place a legacy which lasts for generations.

Our congratulations again to Welcome To Yorkshire for seizing the opportunity and making the dream come true.