MORE than two million spectators turned out for this year’s Tour De Yorkshire with the county being hailed as the “true winner”.

The third stage of the cycle race, from Middlesbrough to Scarborough, was won by Frenchman Thomas Voeckler who clinched overall victory.

Hosted by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation, the three day event – which is in its second year – was expected to bring tens of millions of pounds into the Yorkshire economy.

The county was again transformed into a sea of blue and yellow with both riders and organisers hailing the enthusiastic support from fans.

Mr Voeckler, from Team Direct Energie, said: “In 20 or 30 years there will still be a Tour de Yorkshire so I am really happy my name is on the winner’s list.”

Despite damp weather the third stage saw large crowds gathered in Middlesbrough’s Centre Square and also at the finish line in Scarborough.

The peloton raced through Great Ayton and Stokesley before moving down through Northallerton and into Thirsk, both towns thronged with cheering spectators.

Sutton Bank was the first of six categorised climbs and saw fantastic crowds as big as any mountain stage on the Tour de France.

Helmsley, Grosmont in the North York Moors National Park, Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby made up the rest of the route before a final sprint finish took place on Scarborough’s Royal Albert Drive.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Yorkshire is the true winner. The way the people of Yorkshire have taken this race to their hearts is overwhelming.

“The county is fast becoming the capital of cycling and that is down to the incredible support from communities who have turned out in their droves.”

Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, added: “The Tour de Yorkshire is on the podium for being one of the best bike races in the world and for me has the best cycling public in the world.

“The people of Yorkshire have passion and pride. Yorkshire is fast becoming the heartland of cycling.”

There was no repeat of the technical difficulties that had meant there was little or no live television coverage of stage two of the race, from Otley to Doncaster on Saturday.

Police, who were responsible for rolling road closures and escorting the riders, also praised the conclusion of the event.

Cleveland Police said on its Twitter feed: “Well done to all who took part. We are pleased that everybody enjoyed a safe day.”

North Yorkshire Police, also on Twitter, said: “Another safe, secure and successful Tour de Yorkshire delivered.”