OTLEY gave the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire riders a 'fabulous' send-off that left Lizzie Armitstead with goosebumps.

More than 20,000 people crammed into town on Saturday to cheer on the start of the women's race and stage two of the men's contest.

And more than one million spectators lined the Otley to Doncaster route, with Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive, Sir Gary Verity, hailing "an historic day for women’s cycling and a spectacular day of racing".

Otley, home of World Champion road cyclist Lizzie, was buzzing from early morning, when the women's race started at 8.15am, through to when the men set off at 2.20pm. And the party atmosphere continued into the evening at a host of town venues.

The event looks certain to have given the town's profile a huge boost, despite a technical hitch that severely restricted live TV coverage on the day. Both ITV4 and Eurosport, which were due to screen the races in their entirety, lost live coverage minutes into the sporting spectacle. It wasn't restored until the following day's racing.

Lizzie, who lost out on glory despite leading a brave breakaway of three riders, mentioned the issue on Twitter, but also focused on how impressive her hometown welcome had been.

She posted: "So it turns out no one saw my TV attack but thank you for everyone's support on the road. I had goosebumps starting in Otley. #proud."

Otley Town Council chairman, Councillor Ray Georgeson, is certain Otley will attract more tourists after hosting the event, despite the loss of TV coverage.

He said: "Otley put on another great show and gave both races a fabulous send-off.

"The early birds gave Lizzie a great roar. There were more than 20,000 people in the town centre at the start of the men's race and I know the various entertainments provided were enjoyed all day.

"Although the loss of live TV coverage had an impact, it didn't stop everyone making the most of what Otley had to offer.

"I spoke to several tourists who commented that they would return another day, supporting our view that we must concentrate on promoting Otley as a day destination.

"A huge thank you to everyone that played their part in making it a day to remember."

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland agreed, adding: "There was a fantastic atmosphere, with visitors and locals enjoying the day.

"To see Otley's own world champion, Lizzie Armitstead, lead the cyclists in her home town was wonderful and something none of us will forget.

"The only disappointment was the problems with the television pictures, so we hope next year we can watch Lizzie win the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire!

"Well done to Welcome to Yorkshire and to Otley Town Council and Leeds City Council for organising Otley's programme of events."

Leeds City Council leader, Cllr Judith Blake, said: "Otley really rose to the occasion, with the huge crowds generating an incredible atmosphere.

“The pride and passion of the town for cycling shone through, giving the competitors a fantastic Yorkshire welcome.”

Some of Otley's youngest citizens, the members of Otley Cycle Club's Mini Flyers, also enjoyed a moment in the spotlight.

Club press secretary, Jill Birch, said: "They were invited to stand in front of the stage during the team presentations, then led out both races to the cheers of the huge crowds.

"It was a truly amazing day for all involved."

Many of the town's businesses enjoyed a bumper day's trading, and several churches also laid on refreshments to raise funds.