(Image: Freelancer)
Calls are growing for the Tour of Britain to return to Helmsley.
The North Yorkshire town hosted the start of stage four on September 5, marking its second time hosting the race after serving as a stage finish in 2022.
Councillor George Jabbour, who represents Helmsley on North Yorkshire Council, said: "After last month’s triumph, I commented that our beautiful rural town did us proud once again.
"Breath-taking footage of Helmsley and the surrounding stunning landscapes reached a global audience as the competition was broadcast to over 100 countries.
"The feedback from everyone in and outside our community has been unbelievably positive."
Cllr Jabbour has since been actively campaigning for the Tour of Britain to return to Helmsley, raising the issue with representatives of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and North Yorkshire Council, at meetings of the North York Moors National Park Authority, and Helmsley Town Council.
He said: "I was delighted that Helmsley Town Council resolved in their last meeting to embrace the opportunity to host this world-class competition again.
"The effort that everyone put in to make the 2026 Tour of Britain's start from Helmsley such a successful celebration demonstrates how keen we all are for Britain’s premier cycling race to make a habit of returning to our splendid neck of the woods."
During the event, the town was decorated in red, white and blue, with a packed schedule of events and activities.