A new Kirklees bike race could be launched on the back of the success of the Tour de Yorkshire.

About 1.5m people lined Yorkshire’s streets to watch some of the world’s best cyclists last weekend.

Stage three of the race through Kirklees and Calderdale on Sunday provided another shot in the arm for small businesses along the route.

Now cycling enthusiast Clr Martyn Bolt has said a one day race should be launched to boost the region further.

Clr Bolt, son-in-law of Mirfield’s own Tour De France stage winner, Brian Robinson, said now was the time to look at developing cycle tourism further.

“The Tour de Yorkshire was fantastically well supported by the public,” he said.

“The riders all said we don’t usually see this many people for events, except for the Tour De France.

“It really shows how Yorkshire has taken to the spectacle of professional cycling.

“I hope businesses were able to take advantage of it.

“We already have the Huddersfield Criterium race but I’d like to see Kirklees and maybe the neighbouring local authorities look at a one day race to attract some of the best pros back.

“There’s great potential to capitalise on the popularity of cycling but we need to have cycle friendly businesses with proper secure bike parking.”

Steve Kerr, landlord of Colne Valley hostelries, the Scape House Inn and Rose and Crown, said the race had been a boost for trade.

“We had a significant increase in trade on a normal day,” he said.

“Takings at the Scape House were up about 25 to 30% as it was just a few minutes off the route.

“A lot of people wanted to see the race at the top of Crimble as it was a good vantage point.

“I would support any new race as it’s great for trade.

“It’s also good for the community as well.

“Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves on Sunday and in Slaithwaite there was a party atmosphere.”

This weekend’s race was organised by ASO, the company behind the Tour de France, as a direct legacy of the Grand Depart.

Even though they had some idea of what to expect after last summer, director Christian Prudhomme said he was blown away by the crowds.

“I hoped to see many people but you always have a question mark,” Prudhomme said. “Is it possible to get so many people again as the Grand Depart? So I was thrilled when we were in the car climbing some of the hills, it was unbelievable.”

Brian Robinson, who was asked to start each of the three stages and present the winner’s trophy, said everyone was surprised by the amount of spectators.

“It couldn’t have gone any better,” he said.

“We had the crowds, we had the riders, we didn’t have quite enough sunshine, but it wasn’t too bad.

“We expected the cycling community to come out but the public came out with their kids, it was quite surprising.

“I’m very pleased and I can’t wait for the next one.”

Yorkshire is now also bidding to host the World Championship road races.

While Prudhomme tried to keep a diplomatic distance from an outright endorsement of Yorkshire’s ambitions, he was pretty clear in his view.

“I’m the director of the Tour,” he said. “I just repeat what I said. Yorkshire is made for cycling, so you can imagine everything and anything you want for cycling here. Not only cycling for champions, but cycling for everyone.”

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