Dales town could be showcased to the world as host for Tour de Yorkshire

Craven District Council officers are recommending the bid should be prepared to bring the flagship cycling event to the town in either 2016 or 2017. Hosting the race would cost about £170,000, but the council has money from a new homes bonus which could be spent on the event. It would also seek support from partners and sponsors.

The first Tour de Yorkshire, which followed the region’s successful staging of the Tour de France’s Grand Départ in last summer, took place in May, and featured top international teams and cycling stars including Bradley Wiggins.

It was covered live on ITV4 and British Eurosport, and viewed in 177 countries.

Council leader Richard Foster said: “We’ve seen the impact of the Tour de France in Skipton and the success of the Tour de Yorkshire this year, and we are keen for another area of Craven to reap the benefits. Events like this bring tourists to the area from far and wide and boost the local economy in the short and long term, with television coverage showcasing the area across the world.”

Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amaury Sport Organisation are exploring options for host towns, where the race would start and finish, and Settle has been suggested as a candidate.

The council’s policy committee is being asked to approve the bid, and if successful, more detailed reports will be brought forward.