Debut event of Tour de Yorkshire hailed as a success

Planning started Tuesday for next year's second Tour de Yorkshire after organizers hailed this week's inaugural cycle race as a staggering success.

Official figures released by organizers reveal more than 1.5 million spectators watched the three-day race along a grueling route that took place in city centers, villages and tough mountain passes.

Local officials estimate the event earned more than 60 million U.S. dollars for the Yorkshire economy and also generated world-wide publicity for the county's stunning scenery.

A second event next May has now been secured with work already underway on an all-new route in the county.

The race - won by Team Sky's Lars-Petter Nordhaug - was televised in 150 countries.

The idea of a new competitive European race came after Yorkshire hosted the Grand Depart in 2014 of the world famous Tour de France. British cycling hero Sir Bradley Wiggins and his team were greeted with tremendous cheers as they took part.

Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the county should be "immensely proud" of the first staging of the Tour de Yorkshire.

He said: "Once again we've seen staggering crowds provide a rousing welcome for these incredible riders. I salute each of the 144 riders in the men's race and 98 in the women's, and the 6,000 who took part in the sportive cycle event."

Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, said: "It was an emotional return to Yorkshire, who did of course put on the grandest of all the Grand Departs last year. This was again a special moment, an historic three days and a great advert for cycling and the passion and the heart that Yorkshire has for the sport." Endit