IT WAS always going to be difficult to improve on the first three years of the Tour de Yorkshire.

However, Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity and his team pulled yet another rabbit out of their collective hat ahead of the 2018 instalment.

Not only is this year's event growing from three days to four, but the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire will also double in size, increasing from one to two days.

In short, the Tour just got bigger and better (see page six for more on that).

The expansion is certain to bring far-reaching benefits to the county – and further enhance Yorkshire’s reputation as a world-class cycling destination.

First launched in 2015 following the hugely successful Tour de France Grand Départ 12 months earlier, the Tour de Yorkshire has grown to become one of the sport’s best-supported and most exciting races.

Last year’s event was broadcast live in 180 countries and a record 2.2 million fans lined the route.

The race also generated £64 million for the Yorkshire economy and the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire remains one of the most lucrative events in the sport.

Sir Gary heralded the decision to expand the event, and believes it will help take the Tour to the next level.

He said: “It's absolutely tremendous news and something we have long been working to achieve. We are grateful to British Cycling for supporting our application, and to the UCI for granting us this extension.

“Seeing the Tour de Yorkshire grow into what it is today is one of my team’s very proudest achievements and none of this would have been possible if the people of Yorkshire – and Great Britain – hadn’t taken the race to their hearts.

“This decision will help us attract even bigger names in the future and allow us to design a more varied and spectacular route.

“Our race is growing in stature all the time and the next two editions will hold even greater prestige given that Yorkshire is also hosting the UCI Road World Championships in 2019.

“Cycling is booming across the county and this marks an exciting new chapter for our race.”