Prime Minister backs plans to expand Tour de Yorkshire

Welcome to Yorkshire hopes to build the race up to four days and increase the profile of the women’s race, and is inviting bids from charities that share their vision and want to be the official race charity.

Speaking about the previous event, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Like so many people around the UK I was delighted when Yorkshire hosted the Tour de France’s Grand Départ.

“The huge public response to that race was obviously an important building block for the success of this year’s inaugural Tour de Yorkshire.

“I was lucky to see first hand the electric atmosphere both races generated. I am greatly impressed by the ambitious plans to grow next year’s Tour de Yorkshire.”

He added: “The Government plans to double the number of journeys people are making by bike, by investing in schemes that make cycling simpler and improve safety.

“By bringing world class teams to Yorkshire and building the profile of the women’s race, the Tour is supporting these aims.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive at Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted that the Prime Minister has signalled his support for our plans to grow next year’s Tour de Yorkshire

“The inaugural race built on the success the Grand Départ’s visit to Yorkshire and we want next year’s to be even better.”

He added: “The success of these races enables us to offer a charity a high-profile platform.

“That is why we are looking for an innovative, creative charity that will make the most of partnering with us on the Tour de Yorkshire 2016.”