THE TOUR de Yorkshire looks set to attract more of the world's top cyclists after being extended to four days next year, following a chain of successes. 

Organisers Welcome to Yorkshire and ASO have campaigned for two years to extend the May Day bank holiday race, which has achieved phenomenal popularity over its first three stagings.

The tourism body said the race's next two editions would hold even greater prestige given that Yorkshire is also hosting the UCI Road World Championships in 2019.
 

Crucially, British Cycling backed the successful bid, reversing its move to block the ambition two years ago due to concerns over the international racing calendar.

Cycling’s world governing body the UCI has approved the decision with the four-day Tour de Yorkshire being included on their 2018 Europe Tour calendar between Thursday, May 3 and Sunday, May 6.

The Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire will also double in size next year, increasing from one to two days, to take place on Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4.
 

Welcome to Yorkshire said the move would bring “far-reaching benefits” to the county and further enhance its reputation as a world-class cycling destination.

Cycling commentators said the four-day event was likely to draw more of the leading teams and riders because it brought it into line with some of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar.

The Tour de Yorkshire was launched in 2015 following the hugely successful Tour de France Grand Départ 12 months previously, and it has since grown to become one of the sport’s best-supported races.

This year’s event was broadcast live in 180 countries and a record 2.2 million fans lined the route. 

Welcome to Yorkshire said the race also generated £64 million for the Yorkshire economy and the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire remains one of the most lucrative events in the sport.

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said the additional day would allow them to design an more varied route and attract even bigger names in the future.

“Seeing the Tour de Yorkshire grow into what it is today is one of my team’s very proudest achievements and none of this would have been possible if the people of Yorkshire - and Great Britain - hadn’t taken the race to their hearts,” he said.

“Cycling is booming across the county and today marks an exciting new chapter for our race.” 

Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme said: “The Tour de Yorkshire is a true success story and the way the race has grown over the last four years has been incredible." 

The eight start and finish destinations for the extended race will be announced next Thursday and the route unveiled on December 5.