North Yorkshire to Host Tour of Britain

North Yorkshire is to host stages of the Tour of Britain in 2026 and 2027.

York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved a plan to partner with British Cycling for the event, reports the BBC.

The Mayor is investing £350,000 to secure the right to host stages of the race. Further costs of £400,000 for road closures and event management are to be split between the Combined Authority and North Yorkshire Council.

The race is expected to promote active travel, boost tourism and attract inward investment.

Each stage is said to generate £2 to £12 million for the local economy, although such figures are hard to verify.

Mayor David Skaith said:

‘The impact on the visitor economy over the period should be incredible.

We need to make sure we have that real legacy after as well, so it’s not just a day event, it’s how we can make the most of it going forward’.

North Yorkshire Council Leader Carl Les was typically equivocal, saying he was happy to support the idea in principle. He said ‘it’s got to be right for the cyclists, but it’s also got to be right for the community that’s hosting it’.