SO who do we have to thank for convincing the powers that be to once again invite the world's top cyclists to Yorkshire?

Sir Gary Verity, Welcome to Yorkshire's chief executive? British Cycling President Bob Howden? The Government for agreeing to invest £24m in the event despite much-publicised pressures on the public purse?

There are many people who have played a part.

But while all of above have been integral to the decision, without doubt the clincher is the love of Yorkshire people, and those of surrounding counties, for the sport of cycling.

When it comes to arguing their case, Yorkshire started on pretty solid ground - the success of the Tour de France Grand Depart of 2014 undoubtedly at the forefront of their pitch. Ask a pro cyclist and nine times out of ten they won't be able to tell you much about individual races outside the road conditions and the tactics of team-mates and rivals. Head down, legs pumping hard, it's pretty much a metaphorical and literal blur.

But the number of riders singing the praises of the crowds lining the opening stages of the world's greatest sporting event two years ago was unrivalled. And, trust me, these are hard to please people.

That alone would not have been enough to clinch the deal had Welcome to Yorkshire and others not been able to demonstrate a cast-iron legacy. Whether or not staging the start of Le Tour had a positive effect on the take up of cycling in the region and beyond is unarguable - you just need to take a drive out into the sticks on any given day to see the growing numbers of the Lycra-clad army. But cycling is not just for cyclists - its accessiblity and the friendliness of those involved means events such as the Road World Championships will draw casual observers to the county as well.

So well done to all those who succeeded in seeing off the rival bids from Germany, Colombia, Italy and Canada, but the biggest plaudits should be reserved for the great Yorkshire public.