JUDGING by the spectacular closing stages of the Tour de France on Sunday, we are in for a treat next summer when Le Grand Depart comes to North Yorkshire for the first time in the race’s 100-year history.

Because although Paris may be an imperious backdrop to this sea of colour on wheels, York Minster will surely prove more than a match for the Arc de Triomphe, even without the aid of a mesmerising son et lumière display.

Not surprisingly many thousands are expected to line the city’s streets and to cope with this influx of people, City of York Council is considering the use of prefabricated pop-up hotels.

We think it is a great idea. These blocks and huge tents were used at the London Olympics and are often seen at music festivals; hopefully they can also help take the strain away from York’s hotels and guest houses next July.

Welcome to Yorkshire says the world’s greatest cycle race will start in the world’s greatest county. Indeed it will, to put this cycling city firmly on the global map and to give a huge boost to our economy.

With a bit of luck Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins will be there as well. We’re counting down the days.