National Road Race Championships give Lincolnshire economy £2.25million boost

The four day festival of cycling which attracted some of the world’s elite riders including Pete Kennaugh, Mark Cavendish, Lizzie Armitstead and Laura Trott brought an estimated 30,000 visitors to the county.

The total amount raised is calculated through an online survey which asks spectators, competitors and teams to provide information on their net spend on items such as food, accommodation and transport.

98% of those surveyed said they would return to Lincoln for similar events in the future, with 58% saying they had been inspired to take up cycling or cycle more often as result of visiting the Championships.

Marc Rhodes, Marketing and Events Officer at Lincolnshire Sport, who conducted the survey said: “It was fantastic to have such a high profile sporting event taking place in Lincolnshire and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate the benefits of hosting such events for the local economy and tourism, as well as seeing that many people have been inspired to take up cycling.”

The Championships, and supporting events, attracted visitors from all over the United Kingdom and even as far afield as the United States, increasing Lincolnshire’s reputation as a location for tourism and elite sport.

Race Organiser, Ian Emmerson OBE said: “My thanks go to Lincolnshire Sport for conducting the survey. The resultant economic benefit to the area of £2.25 million shows what an event of this magnitude can bring to the county and is a fitting return for the support given to the championships by the local authorities and sponsors.

“The return also gained from the many hours of live television coverage and subsequent recorded transmissions is unmeasurable but was publicity for the county that would cost millions to buy.

“The ongoing benefits to the economy will also come from those visiting for the first time and returning in the future plus the health benefits coming from more wanting to take up cycling and other exercise.”