The third and final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race began at Middlesbrough and ended up in Scarborough, 196 km later. The course of the race can be viewed on the race website (1) and the ups and downs are shown on the Cycling Weekly site (2).
Prior to the arrival of the racers it was a very relaxed atmosphere.
Spectators awaiting the cyclists could see where they were on a giant monitor screen.
Spectators waited in anticipation of the riders.
Numerous police cars and motor bikes heralded the arrival of the cyclists.
It was a cold and windy day and the riders must have been exhausted after the gruelling ride, which included six hill climbs. Despite this, there was still a sprint to the finish and only six seconds between the race winner – Frenchman Thomas Voeckler – and the Irish rider Nicolas Roche who came second in this stage. I managed to grab this shot as the two front riders passed beside the harbour in Scarborough, a couple of kilometres from the finish.
I got better shots of some of the following riders, although I am not able to put names to those further down the rankings.
Support cars carrying spare bikes followed the riders.
A lorry came along at the end telling everyone that the race was over and the road was open again.
Race results of the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 can be seen on the Cycling Weekly website (3).
Ray's ramblings 