CALLS are growing to make the Tour de Yorkshire a four-day event next year after organisers declared this year's race a phenomenal success.
Driving rain failed to put off an estimated two million people turning out to line the routes, turning the region into a heartland of cycling worldwide. Estimates on the economic bonus it brought are also in the millions.
Welcome to Yorkshire chief Sir Gary Verity said that while he was delighted with the 2016 race, there was so much more that can be done to make the event even bigger and better with an extra day.
PACKED: A packed Thirsk town centre welcomes the Tour de Yorkshire riders. Picture credit: SWPIX.com
“The International Cycling Union want it to be over four days, the teams want four days, women’s cycling want it four days, the public of Yorkshire wants four days. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.
Sir Gary said an extra day would mean the event could do a lot more for women’s cycling.
The crowds cher the riders through Northallerton. Picture: Tom Britton, Northern Echo Camera Club.
“Having a fourth day will have a massive impact. There is a lot more we can do, such as maybe having a time trial as part of the event,” he added.
The decision on whether it could be increased to four days rests with British Cycling.
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County council, has added his weight to the move.
He said: “I have seen for myself the way that the Tour has brought large numbers of visitors in to thecCounty to watch the race, but especially caught the local imagination and interest as well.
“Who will forget the yarn-bombing in Thirsk but also Great Ayton, Northallerton and Stokesley as well? So the County Council will support the Tour as an annual event, and also the call for a four day event so that we can have two hill climbing events and two sprint days.
“That would suit all styles of road cycling, and we can build on the important steps taken to make women’s cycling as important as the men’s.
"Spreading the organising costs over four days instead of of three probably does mean it can be done at little extra cost, and we support Sir Gary wholeheartedly in his negotiations with the cycling powers.”
Tour de Yorkshire Director Christian Prudhomme said the event was now one of the best bike races in the world and this year's race winner, Frenchman Thomas Voeckler, said he could see the event become a part of cycling history.
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