BRADFORD has played its part in Yorkshire becoming the first place in the UK to be officially recognised by the sport’s world governing body.

The county received the Union Cycliste Internationale Bike Region (UCI) prize from the organisation for its dedication to the sport.

Only eight places have received the honour since they were relaunched in 2015, including Bergen in Norway and Drenthe in Holland.

The governing body grants UCI Bike City/Region status to locations which show an outstanding commitment to growing and promoting everyday cycling, and hosting major UCI events.

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Bradford’s role in the accolade has included the £35 million Cycle Superhighway, which links Bradford and Leeds.

It is also a further fillip to cycling in the Bradford district after this year’s Tour de Yorkshire brought a record £64 million boost to the county.

The event, which saw the third and final day start at City Hall in April, attracted a record 2.2m spectators who lined the route.

Bolton Road Community Cycling Club was launched on Sunday with more than 30 riders taking part in a ride in Peel Park.

The club will be run by Satwant Singh, a former champion squash player, and is aimed at uniting communities in the city.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, said: “This is excellent news for Yorkshire. Bradford is a fantastic place for cycling. We have some great cycling routes across the district for both commuters and leisure riders, as well as some brilliant teams and cycling clubs.

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“We’ve hosted the National Cyclo-Cross Championships several times in Peel Park, as well as hosting the UCI Tour de France Grand Depart on two days in 2014 and the UCI approved Tour de Yorkshire in 2015 and 2017.”

Councillor Keith Wakefield, chairman of the transport committee within West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “Our commitment to increasing and encouraging cycling across the region grows each year and recognition such as this will bring cycling further into the spotlight.”