Lancashire set for big tourism boost from Tour cycle race

exciting times: Staff and children at Little People at the Limes nursery in Longridge with a yellow bike

In anticipation of the popular event, statistics provided by property letting specialists holidaycottages.co.uk showed a surge of interest from holiday makers.

The free-to-spectate cycle event comes to Lancashire on Monday, September 7, and runs through Clitheroe, Ribchester, Longridge and Chipping. With just under a week to go until the start of the event, holidaycottages.co.uk have reported a big increase in both searches and bookings for the area. They claim the renowned tour and the presence of big name riders has played a big part in the statistics.

Former world and British champion Mark Cavendish and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, who lives down the road in Eccleston, are just two of the stars spectators will see competing.

Searches for holidays in the North West have gone up by 22.3 per cent and bookings have gone up by 112 per cent compared to figures around the time of the race last year.

County councillor for Longridge and Bowland, David Smith, says the race has offered “a huge boost” to Longridge and the surrounding areas.

He said: “Longridge has responded brilliantly to hosting the race and everyone I have spoken to is really positive about the race and really looking forward to it.

“More people coming into the area is always a good thing and hopefully it will see businesses get huge benefits.

“We’re all really excited for it to get here. There’s been a real effort made by everyone and you can see that with all the golden bikes around the place. I’m sure there will be thousands following the route and it’ll be a brilliant day.”