Skipton and the surrounding area had the strongest case among the bidders aiming to stage the opening race of the world’s greatest cycling event, business people heard at the launch of the Welcome to Skipton website.

Gary Verity, Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive, said at the meeting in Herriots Hotel, Broughton Road, Skipton: “We believe Yorkshire has a compelling case, the strongest case for the Grande Depart of the Tour de France coming to the county.

“I ask you to dream that in 18 months, just as the Olympic torch came up Skipton High Street this year, so will the Tour de France. It will be a truly amazing sight.”

The Tour is poised to return to Britain as soon as 2014, with a bid to bring the race to British roads believed to be close to winning the approval of organisers.

Dave Wathen, chairman of Skipton Business Improve-ment District, which has financially supported the setting-up of the website, said: “Welcome to Yorkshire is moving heaven and earth to get the Tour in Yorkshire.

“Just think what it would do for Skipton if it came here – it would be fantastic.”

He urged businesses in Skipton to agree to fund BID for a second term so that it could build on the work already accomplished.

“The current term of the BID expires in March 2014 and we are now commencing the preparation of a programme taking us towards renewal in January, 2014.

“I would like to emphasise the importance of your support in gaining a second term as it is my belief that without the input of the BID levy into the local economy, then it would be difficult to envisage the continuing economic development of the town.”

Skipton BID is based at 7 Albert Street, Skipton, and the new website is welcometoskipton.com.