THIS year’s Tour de Yorkshire was viewed by a record-breaking audience of 28 million worldwide.

This was up 124 per cent on 2018, with viewers tuning in in 190 countries.

The race boosted Yorkshire’s economy by £60 million, with almost two million spectators lining the route, giving local businesses a boost.

Victoria Robertshaw, chief executive of Keelham Farm Shop, said the race helped boost gin and beer sales and put local produce on show at its Skipton shop.

She said: "We have been supporters of the Tour de Yorkshire since the start and each year wait in anticipation to see where the route will take the riders.

"The Tour puts full focus on Yorkshire both nationally and internationally and gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our fresh Yorkshire produce.

"To celebrate this year’s race we created a map which showcased our local suppliers on the route and we offered our customers a discount off selected gin and beers, which saw an increase in beer sales."

Hoteliers in Haworth also felt the benefits of the Tour. Josie Price, of Weavers Guest House, said fans are waiting to book as soon as next year’s route is revealed.

She said: "Our guesthouse was fully booked for the weekend of the Tour de Yorkshire coming through Haworth.

"After this year, we’ve got guests wanting to book straight away once the dates and route are announced for 2020, and we sense a real following that is gaining more traction year-upon-year.

"We’ve been so lucky in Haworth over the last few years with the race. The atmosphere is amazing and it would seem that many people choose to come to our village, with its great vantage point of bikes coming up the cobbled hill and impressive backdrop, to watch the race.

"Of course, it’s a difficult climb for the cyclists, which adds to the attraction of watching the race in Haworth."

Mike Hutchison of Ye Sleeping House said people from all over the world mention the Tour when they check in, and it has put Haworth “back on the map”.

He added: "First the Tour de France, then the magnificent Tour de Yorkshire; they all put Haworth back on the map with the photographs of all the riders going up Main Street, which is an absolute spectacle with an electric atmosphere.

"Since these have happened people from all over the world have come to either walk or ride the area and have mentioned the Tour de Yorkshire when booking or arriving. Roll on next year!”

Peter Dodd, commercial director of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We’re really pleased with these numbers, especially the recording breaking TV viewing figures which are more than double last year.

"There is no other event which showcases all four corners of the county to a worldwide audience on a scale like this.

“Although a drop on last year with challenging weather conditions proving a factor, £60 million still represents a massive boost to the Yorkshire economy, and it’s clear from the increased press figures that interest in our races, both at home and abroad, has never been higher.

“Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme noted our Tour ‘had come of age’ this year and the crowds on the roadside were absolutely incredible once again, especially given the seriously challenging weather we experienced during three of the four days of action.

“The Tour de Yorkshire showcases Yorkshire as a world-class tourism destination, but on a local level as well, they are so much more than elite bike races.

"The way communities come together to celebrate them every year is a joy to behold; it’s a real carnival atmosphere and highlights the pride people have in their county.

"And of course, the races are inspiring people from all walks of life to get active in an environmentally friendly way as well.”

One in five spectators at this year's race were from outside Yorkshire, with 88 per cent saying they would return to the area as a direct result of visiting for the Tour.

Chris Lawless became the first British winner of the Tour this year, while legendary pedaller Marianne Vos won the women's race in spectacular style.