AS Tour de France fans prepare to flock to Yorkshire in 2014, hotel operators are already busy preparing for the prestigious event.

The Grand Depart of the epic cycle race is coming to the Huddersfield area on July 6 next year.

The finest cyclists on earth will tackle a 125-mile stage from York to Sheffield, passing through Huddersfield town centre and up the notorious Holme Moss climb en route to South Yorkshire.

One hotel chain says the prestigious event has already sparked a surge in enquiries at its Yorkshire sites.

Meanwhile bosses at the Cedar Court group of hotels, say they are planning to make the most of the tourism boost.

The group’s Ainley Top hotel is right next to the route and will be part of the backdrop as the world’s TV cameras focus on the massive showpiece.

Front of house manager, Dawn Shaw, said there had been no rush in bookings yet, but they were preparing for an onslaught of interest.

She said: “It’s fantastic news for the region and everyone is really looking forward to the event.

“It will be like Yorkshire’s Olympics.

“Planning is already underway and we’ll be prepared come next year.

“We’re devising special packages, not just for those who will come to see the Tour but also the many people who will come between now and next year to ride the route themselves.”

National chain Premier Inn says interest in the event has reached such a level that the reservations team was considering setting up a dedicated line to handle the ‘pele-tons’ of calls.

A spokeswoman said: “Our Huddersfield West premises at Ainley Top took over 120 enquiries after just one week of the Grand Depart being announced.

“That’s a 31% increase in booking calls year on year from people across the world who will be travelling the area for the second leg of the 2014 Tour de France.

“The Premier Inn Huddersfield North (Brighouse) has also seen a 28% rise in calls to the reservations team and enquiries are still flooding in.

“The demand for rooms is so high we’re considering setting up a dedicated line to handle the enquiries which would be a first for us.

“We’re still waiting for a call from a Sir B Wiggins though!

“Following an amazing British summer of sport, it’s no surprise the nation is looking to wave the British flag again and support our top cyclists along the route of the 2014 Tour de France.”

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the route to see the world’s top cyclists compete.