YORKSHIRE bagged the biggest share of benefits from staging this year's Grand Depart, according to the official report into the event.

The region saw a five-fold return on its investment in staging the start of cycling's biggest race.

A 64-page report, "Three Inspirational Days" detailing the benefits of the event, stated that 4.8million people watched the action with those fans generating £128m in total revenue, with £102m in Yorkshire alone.

Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, said that for every £1 spent on setting up the Grand Depart by local authorities and organisers, "£5 was paid back into the economy".

The figures were revealed in the official event impact review, led by Leeds City Council, which examined the economic and social impact of hosting the event.

He said: "It's a great figure, certainly. It's brilliant that the economic impact of the event has been confirmed by an independent body to Government standards.

"I think the benefits are spread across the economy so far, not just in one particular place or sector, so we've been seeing it so far with the food and beer producers, tourist attractions, theme parks and hotels, bed and breakfasts, and retailers."

Liz Nicholl, from UK Sport, said 70 sporting events had been targeted to come to the UK by 2019, including Olympic and Paralympic qualifying events.

The first weekend of May next year will see the region attempt to recapture the spirit of the Grand Depart, with the Tour de Yorkshire, but the exact route has not yet been announced.

Mr Verity said: "There has been a huge appetite from the public, asking when we can bring it back and have it all over again.

"I think we'll find the Tour de Yorkshire will be an amazing thing. We can't announce exactly where it's going to start or finish but anyone fortunate enough to be a part of the Tour de Yorkshire will have a fantastic experience."

He added: "Yorkshire's stock probably has never been higher and for me, the Grand Depart and Tour de France has to be the start of the journey and not the end."

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, teamed up with Selby District Council to urge Tour organisers to travel through his constituency.

Mr Verity said: "Selby made a strong representation and have a really compelling case which we're obviously taking very seriously.

"York views itself as a cycling capital of Yorkshire and we want the East of the county who missed out on the Grand Depart to be represented, so we're hoping to announce the starts and finish in the next few weeks, and the whole route around January 21."

Mr Verity also praised North Yorkshire Police for their efforts during the Tour, calling them "undoubtedly the best in the world".