Communities in North Georgia lucky enough to be on the Tour de Georgia route this spring learned just how lucrative droves of professional road biking fans can be.

A recent study pegs the economic impact of the Tour de Georgia at $36.2 million. An estimated 800,000 spectators turned out over the six-day, 655-mile bike race through northern Georgia.

Surveys of 1,386 spectators were conducted all along the route for the six days. The surveys revealed that 43 percent of respondents were visiting Georgia from another state. The average visit from an out-of-state spectator was almost four days. The average out-of-state visitor spent $186.75 per day.

The analysis was conducted by the Community Policy and Research Services division at Georgia Tech’s Economic Development and Technology Ventures.

In addition to huge crowds who watched the race and participated in community festivals along the way, the Tour de Georgia attracted over 500 media members from across the United States and abroad, 4,000 volunteers and 550 people in the official entourage, including event organizers, the athletes and their support staff.

The Tour de Georgia economic impact generated revenue equivalent to other major sporting events, like a major bowl game or golf tournament, according to Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, who has been actively involved with managing the race the past three years.

The World Golf Championships in 2003 and the Peach Bowl in 2004 — both held in the Atlanta area — generated $24 million and $35 million respectively.