Tour de Yorkshire claims 28 million viewers
Joe Saumarez Smith 2019-07-09 23:01:04
The 2019 Tour de Yorkshire's men and women's races were watched by a global audience of 28 million viewers, according to independent research issued today. The viewing figures were up 124 per cent on 2018 levels.
An economic impact study by research company GRASP and compiled by Leeds Beckett University found the overall income generated by the two races was £59,852,029. This was broken down as £17,454,706 on accommodation and £41,994,470 on non-accommodation, including transport, food and drink and all other expenditure. This was a sharp decrease on the total spend in 2018 of £97,973,806 in 2018, with the deepest fall being in accommodation spend which was down 58 per cent.
1.96 million people watched the two races over the four days from 2nd to 5th May and 20 per cent of those were visitors to the region. Coverage of the fourth year of the Tour de Yorkshire increased substantially, with the race watched by TV viewers in 190 countries and a 12.9 per cent increase in the number of press articles mentioning the race.
Welcome to Yorkshire's Commercial Director Peter Dodd said: "We're really pleased with these numbers, especially the recording breaking TV viewing figures which are more than double last year. There is no other event which showcases all four corners of the county to a worldwide audience on a scale like this. £60 million, although a drop on last year with challenging weather conditions proving a factor, still represents a massive boost to the Yorkshire economy and it's clear from the increased press figures that interest in our races, both at home and abroad, has never been higher."Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme noted our Tours 'had come of age' this year and the crowds on the roadside were absolutely incredible once again, especially given the seriously challenging weather we experienced during three of the four days of action."
"The Tour de Yorkshire and Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women's Race showcase Yorkshire as a world-class tourism destination, but on a local level as well, they are so much more than elite bike races. The way communities come together to celebrate them every year is a joy to behold; it's a real carnival atmosphere and highlights the pride people have in their county. And of course, the races are inspiring people from all walks of life to get active in an environmentally friendly way as well."
Chris Lawless won the 2019 men's race while Marianne Vos won the women's races. Next up in Yorkshire are the UCI Road World Championships from 21 to 29 September.
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