OVER 100,000 spectators lined the highways and byways of Warwickshire for the return of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour.
The third and longest leg of the tour in June saw many of the world’s best riders pedal 150km from the start line in Atherstone to the finish line in Leamington.
Of the spectators who attended, around 63,000 were fans who travelled to Warwickshire – with an estimated 2,000 of them travelling from overseas.
It was the third year running the tour has taken in Warwickshire bringing with it a £2million economic boost to the county.
Warwickshire County Council leader Izzi Seccombe said: “We have seen a huge rise in attendance figures every year.
“That has had a tremendous economic impact for businesses. As well as hosting a great event for the area, we do these kinds of things to benefit business owners.
“Now we have to capitalise on the success of the event and make sure we are encouraging people to the area and show them that we are a cycling hotspot with excellent routes available as well as first rate accommodation and restaurants, cafes and bars.”
Warwickshire also welcomed men’s elite riders for the OVO Energy Tour of Britain in September. The field included this year’s Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, and Chris Froome, four time winner of the famous yellow jersey.
Figures for the impact of the men’s tour in Warwickshire have yet to be released.
