IN PICTURES: Halifax in the spotlight after record breaking support for Tour de Yorkshire

The Welcome to Yorkshire boss revealed that an estimated 2.6m people lined the route of this year’s race to make the first instalment of the race as a four-day spectacle a record breaker.

“This race wouldn’t be what it is without our great partners, and of course, I like to say a massive thank you to all the male and female riders who came and produced such a gripping event. Greg Van Avermaet was a more than worthy winner and that gutsy ride from Stéphane Rossetto will live long in the memory.

“Finally, I have to mention the crowds as well. Once again, they were utterly unbelievable and it was like being back at the 2014 Tour de France. Every start and finish was absolutely rammed and there were so many high points along the route that I’ll need to take a few days to let it all sink in.”

Rossetto was also taken by the “amazing crowd”, saying: “It’s been like riding the Tour de France over the last four days.”

And Van Avermaet said: “The fans were amazing, and for the whole four days actually. I remember from the Tour de France, and when I last raced here in 2015, what it was like, and with this sunny weather even more fans came out. It was really special.”