YORKSHIRE's achievement in attracting the Tour de France in 2014 can be summed up in one word: Magnifique!

The Welcome To Yorkshire team, led by Gary Verity, deserve huge congratulations for their work on the successful bid which will be a priceless showcase for a county of exceptional beauty.

This has already been an unforgettable year for British sport and today's news that the world's largest annual sporting event is coming our way brings 2012 to an exciting conclusion.

Imagine the mouth-watering scenes as the world's greatest cyclists surge through the Yorkshire countryside. Imagine the value it will bring in attracting millions of additional tourists and showing the world what the county has to offer.

Although we do not yet know the full details of the route, we can start dreaming about Bradley Wiggins and co. battling for the yellow jersey against the backdrop of historic Yorkshire landmarks such as Richmond Castle.

The successful bid is estimated to be worth £300m to Yorkshire's economy but how can it be truly quantified? The event is a year and a half away but cycling enthusiasts will already be making plans to test out the "breathtaking landscapes" described by Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme.

And long after the riders have gone, the images of their time in the county will continue to promote Yorkshire as a very special part of the world. 

We're in for a long and thrilling ride.