It is one year today since the world's finest cyclists zoomed through the county, and the county is still reaping the benefits of the Tour de France.

The international cycling competition passed through Kent on July 8 last year, bringing thousands of visitors and a wealth of tourism opportunities with it.

The millions of spectators who lined the streets to watch the event also helped generate around £37million in income for Kent businesses, from accommodation to food and drink, souvenirs and travel.

Recent research by Visit Kent found that in the months that followed the race, 63 per cent of the 90 cycle-related businesses identified in the county indicated the event had had a positive impact on business.

Even more - 74 per cent - said sales were up, some as much as 50 per cent.

Counters along the Tonbridge to Penshurst cycle route found that figures for April and May 2008 average out at around 1,000 users per week and this figure is expected to grow further.

Daniel Benson, managing editor of CyclingNews.com, said of last year's race: "It certainly gave UK cycling a huge kick, not only in the south east but across the whole country.

"The stage going into Kent saw three million people on the side of the road from London to Kent, which is a staggering number of people that has not been seen before."