THE Tour of Britain’s second stage coming to East Lancashire boosted the economies of Ribble Valley and Pendle by £2.1million, it has been revealed.

The cycling event, which was staged on Monday, September 7, was hosted by the two borough councils and began in Clitheroe and finished in Colne.

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According to analysis carried out by Frontline, an estimated 180,000 spectators attended the event, with 25 per cent coming from outside the North West.

The Ribble Valley saw 87,500 watch the race while 92,500 came to Pendle on the day.

The data also revealed that 11 per cent of visitors stayed overnight and 67 per cent said they were inspired to cycle more often.

Ahead of the race, both councils said that they hoped the event would bring in around £2m to the boroughs in total.The combined cost to the councils was £350,000.

Councillors in Pendle had voiced concerns about helping to host the event and whether it would prove beneficial in the long term. The race was broadcast in 129 countries.

Pendle Council leader Councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: “Bringing the Tour of Britain here proved to be a winning idea.

“It boosted the local economy, gave people a fantastic day out and raised our profile regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Hosting and promoting the big race was a major operation which involved residents, schools, community groups, organisations and businesses.

“The collaboration between us and Ribble Valley Borough Council was a real team effort.

“I hope it will have a lasting legacy through repeat visits and people feeling inspired to visit us after seeing the breathtaking aerial footage.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Councillor Stuart Hirst said: “The Tour of Britain was an ambitious undertaking by Ribble Valley and Pendle councils, and our respective communities pulled out the stops to make the event a success.

“The event attracted a spectacular number of spectators and showcased the two boroughs to a national and international audience.

“As these figures show, we are reaping the benefits in terms of a significant economic boost and indications are that there have been repeat visits to our two boroughs from spectators, as well as visitor inquiries from across the world.

“Our thanks go to everyone who helped to make the event such a fantastic success.”

Brian Cookson OBE, president of the International Cycling Union, was Pendle Council’s head of regeneration for nine years and came back to Pendle for the big race.

He said: “The Tour of Britain race put Pendle and the Ribble Valley on the world stage as first-rate cycling destinations.”