BUSINESS and council leaders say a new international cycle race presents a 'golden opportunity' to showcase the Yorkshire Coast and East Yorkshire.

The Press reported yesterday how the ground-breaking 'Tour de Yorkshire,' which will be launched next May, may go to parts of the region which were missed by the Tour de France Grand Depart in July - although details of the route have not yet been confirmed.

There was disappointment earlier this year when it emerged the TDF route would go through areas such as Leeds, Sheffield, Harrogate, York and the Yorkshire Dales but not the North York Moors, the Wolds or the coast.

Scarborough councillor and businesswoman Janet Jefferson, who is spokeswoman for the town's chamber of commerce, said yesterday she was delighted by the announcement about the new race.

"I think it will be wonderful for Yorkshire and I would be really excited it it did come to the coast," she said.

"We have so much to offer on this side of Yorkshire - the whole area from Whitby down to Scarborough and Filey is so beautiful, and it would be a big boost for businesses. It's a golden opportunity for this area."

John Senior, chairman of the South Bay Traders Association in Scarborough, said he had been very disappointed but had understood the decision when it had proved logistically impossible to bring the Tour de France to the coast.

"We would be absolutely delighted if the Tour de Yorkshire can come to the coast - Whitby and Filey as well as Scarborough, and also the North York Moors," he said.

Meanwhile, Cllr Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economy, investment and inequalities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said it always welcomed events that showed off East Yorkshire's 'wonderful scenery', adding: "We look forward to hearing more about this event from Welcome to Yorkshire."

The Tour de Yorkshire, which has been confirmed by the sport’s world governing body, the UCI, will be run by Welcome to Yorkshire and Amaury Sport Organisation, which operates the Tour de France.

Bob Howden, president of British Cycling, said he thought that, building on the huge success of the Grand Départ, the new race would further drive up participation and work towards more people cycling more often.