East Yorkshire has missed out on staging part of the world's biggest cycle race and the chance to generate millions of pounds for its struggling economy.
Tour de France organisers unveiled the Yorkshire route of the prestigious sporting event, which will attract a global TV audience of more than three billion as well as millions of spectators who line the route.
Despite the attractions of the iconic Humber Bridge and the chance to cycle through the Yorkshire Wolds, the race will not pass through East Yorkshire during its two-day visit to the region.
Instead, Day One on July 5 will feature cyclists racing from Leeds to Harrogate, passing through towns including Otley, Ilkley Moor, Skipton, Wharfedale and Ripon.
On Day Two, cyclists will race from York to Sheffield, passing through Knaresborough, Silsden, Keighley, Haworth, Hebden Bridge, Elland, Huddersfield and Holmfirth on the way.
Social network sites were buzzing as details of the Tour 2012's route through Yorkshire emerged.
Hebden Town Hall tweeted: "It's been announced, Tour de France comes to Hebden Bridge for Stage Two. We can't wait."
However, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: "I'm very disappointed to hear the Tour de France will not be coming to the East Riding but I know bringing the Tour to Yorkshire in the first place is a tremendous achivement.
"It would have been great if it could have come to the home of cycling in Yorkshire and come to Beverley and the iconic Humber Bridge."
Hull City Council leader Stephen Brady was also disappointed the region had missed out. He said Hull had been overlooked since the days of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, a body which sought to promote the region. He said: "I am deeply disappointed but not surprised. "Hull is often overlooked in Yorkshire compared to other cities. We certainly don't get our fair share – we didn't under Yorkshire Forward and we are not getting it now." Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce said it would like to see more cooperation on tourism across the region. Chief executive Dr Ian Kelly said: "This may give pause for thought about whether there are still opportunities for greater pan-Yorkshire and Humber cooperation from time to time." Hull North MP Diana Johnson tweeted: "Unfortunate that the Tour de France riders will miss out on having a big Hull welcome. Their loss!"