YORKSHIRE'S Tour de France win will boost the region's economy, business and political leaders have said.

Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, said: "I'm delighted with the news.It's absolutely fantastic for the region and great for the city of York as well. I think it will bring huge benefits to the economy and to the city with the amount of people around the world that follow the Tour de France. There will be huge opportunities that come with this and as a region we need to capitalise on this as much as possible.

"We have also got to give huge praise to Gary Verity and his team at Welcome to Yorkshire for really being at the forefront of delivering this for our region."

Tim Frenneaux, enterprise partnership manager for York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, said: "It's more great profile for a really strong Yorkshire brand. It's a one off opportunity so we need to make sure that we make the most of the opportunities it presents for our businesses. That will be our role as an LEP."

He said that as well helping tourism businesses to make the most out of it, they also hoped it could help improve exporting as the world learnt more about Yorkshire.

"We will look to be more creative about what other opportunities this presents and how we can capitalise on them," he said.

Susie Cawood head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "For Yorkshire to host the biggest annual sporting event in the world is hugely positive news for the region and the economy.

"Importantly, it illustrates confidence in Yorkshire. It will showcase Yorkshire both to the race spectators and millions of people watching it around the world."

Rachel Goddard, chair of York Professionals, said: "This is fantastic news for Yorkshire and for York. It puts Yorkshire firmly on the map and gives us another opportunity to showcase the beauty of our city and region to a wider, international audience. Vive la Yorkshire!”

Coun James Alexander, Labour leader for City of York Council, said: “I'm proud that we played a part in the Back le Bid campaign for Yorkshire. What a great way to follow the Olympics - another of the world's biggest sporting events coming to the region.

"This will undoubtedly be a boost for York, as the historic heart of Yorkshire. Visitors will come from around the world to watch this huge event and they can see what a great place to live, work, visit and invest York is at the same time."

Coun Andy D'Agorne, Green Party councillor for City of York Council, said: "I think it's excellent news for the region in terms of raising the profile of our tourist offer and to have millions of people seeing shots of people cycling in the beautiful countryside we have to offer.

"I'm a convert after the Olympics," he admitted. "Before the Olympics, I didn't think it was going to have that much effect. But our success in the Olympics certainly has raised the profile of cycling as a means of transport as well as a sport so I certainly would hope that that is a spin off."

Coun John Weighell, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “North Yorkshire County Council, as one of the sponsors of the bid, is absolutely delighted that the organisers of the Tour de France have agreed to include Yorkshire in the 2014 event.

“As one of the world’s premier sporting events, the Tour de France brings enormous international exposure and interest in its wake, and the inclusion of Yorkshire can only be excellent news for the economy of North Yorkshire, and its hugely important tourism businesses.”

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: "This is exciting news and a real coup for Yorkshire.

"Hosting the Grand Départ presents a great opportunity to showcase what we have to offer on an international stage for both cyclists and visitors, and will provide a legacy which reaches far beyond 2014."

Catriona McLees, head of promotion and tourism at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "It's great news for Yorkshire and we're delighted to support such a fantastic event that will encourage more people to get on their bikes and enjoy the North York Moors National Park countryside."

Hugh Bayley, MP for York Central, said: "This is a huge global event and it's great it is coming to Yorkshire.

"People will want to cheer along Bradley Wiggins in the hope that he wins the tour again next year after his fantastic victories this year in the Tour de France and the Olympic Games.

"Cycling is a big sport in Britain and York is the cycling capital of the north of England, so it's great that we will see the event in our own city."

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, said: “I am delighted by the news that Yorkshire will be host to the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in 2014. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Yorkshire to the world, bringing yet another world class sporting event to the UK.

“With a global audience of over two billion people watching the Tour de France every year, the backdrop is vital. In Yorkshire you could not ask for more. Some of the most iconic roads and scenery in the country, if not the world are here.

“Yorkshire and the UK has beaten many eminent world cities and countries and I am sure everyone in the region will now start preparing to ensure the event is a brilliant success. I look forward to celebrating the success and discussing how the country can get behind the bid in my Parliamentary debate on the subject next week.”

Rebecca Taylor, Member of the European Parliament for Yorkshire and Humber, said the announcement is a big boost for Yorkshire, as it will see another major sporting event coming to the region.

“This is great news for Yorkshire and will be a great way to promote all the county has to offer. Millions of people will see on their television the beauty of the county, while many more will come and visit. This will be a major boost for the county and all who live and work here. I am delighted Yorkshire has been chosen.”