CALCULATIONS are continuing to work out just how much the Bradford economy benefitted from this summer's Tour de France Grand Départ when it wheeled through the district.

But a report looking at the economic and social impact of hosting the world's largest annual sporting event in July today revealed it generated approximately £130 million in the UK and was watched at the roadside by crowds of 4.8m.

The official impact review led by Leeds City Council said £102m of that went to Yorkshire where the Grand Départ started out over two days and was watched by 2.3m before it moved on to Cambridgeshire, Essex and London.

The overall figure is expected to rise even more because of the legacy it left to tourism and trade.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor David Green welcomed the report which said work was still ongoing to finalise the participating local authorities' costs elements and to breakdown spending and investment in the local economies.

Cllr Green said: "Residents, visitors and businesses embraced the event with huge enthusiasm and the pictures broadcast on television all over the world demonstrated how stunning our countryside around Ilkley, Keighley and Haworth is.

"The Tour de France certainly raised Bradford district’s profile and will entice people to visit in future years, bringing lasting economic benefits.

"We congratulate local people, businesses and organisations for their hard work in contributing to this event, which had such a major positive impact on our district."

Andrew Thornton, the Council's executive member for environment and sport, said the Grand Départ had boosted interest in cycling in the district.

"We have promoted cycling for many years, working with partners such as the University, the College, Sustrans, Metro and local cycling groups to create new cycling routes," he said.

"We are now ensuring there are lasting benefits from hosting the world’s largest annual sporting event for years to come, both in economic terms and in promoting cycling."

In September last year the Telegraph & Argus reported the Yorkshire leg of the Tour De France would cost Bradford Council £731,000, but was expected to bring millions of pounds into the district.

The figure included £350,000 paid towards tourism group Welcome To Yorkshire’s successful bid to bring the international race to the district, £200,000 for highway repairs along the route and £151,205 towards managing the race.

The last time the race came to the UK – in 2007 - the London leg of it generated £88 million.

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