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Tour of Britain brings multi-million pound boost to Cumbria’s economy

Tour of Britain 2016, Ullswater Credit: PA

Cumbria received nearly £11m after holding two stages of the Tour of Britain cycle race in September.

This is a huge increase on the £5m economic benefit to the county when it hosted the Tour of Britain in 2016.

Accommodation providers, retailers and transport operators were among those who benefitted.

Cumbria was the first county in the tour’s history to host two full stages of the race in September.

Stage 5 featured a Team Time Trial from Cockermouth to Whinlatter and Stage 6 saw riders race along a 105-mile route from Barrow to Whinlatter, sponsored by BAE Systems.

The two stages attracting a combined total of 240,000 spectators, and 1.5 million viewers watched television coverage on ITV4.

The Tour of Britain has once again delivered many benefits to Cumbria – boosting the local economy to the tune of more than £11m, giving people two truly memorable days and encouraging more cycling in the county."

– Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council