TDY

For those of you who do not know the TLA it stands for Tour De Yorkshire, an inaugural three day cycle race that has been organised as a result of last years Grand Depart in Leeds. I was a little sceptical at first, would the public turn out, would it attract a decent level of riders, and would the weather be kind in spring? I was wrong on all counts.

The first stage of the race was from Bridlington to Scarborough taking in the North Yorkshire Moors. It was a challenging course with many awkward hills and some interesting descents. Indeed there were some spills causing injuries and withdrawals. Although the teams were not up to the strength of the Tour De France there were some well-known racers in the peloton. I guess it was a good warm up before the Grand Tours later in the year.

The television reckoned that 250,000 lined the route, and incredible number of people given that this was not a holiday. Lastly it was a sunny day, although with an easterly breeze off the sea it was definitely not warm. I had a fleece on and was very glad of it. However the countryside looked marvellous on the television pictures.

 One of the advantages of the finish on Scarborough seafront is that it forms a natural amphitheatre. I found a spot on the hillside about 100 metres from the finish. From there I could see the riders from just over a kilometre out. Also the course came close to the seafront at the 5 kilometre mark so the excitement started early with the noise of the helicopters and the police outriders.

You will see from my pictures how crowded the seafront was, every piece of space on the hillside being occupied. Judging from the television it was much like that throughout the run-in through Scarborough.

 I had never seen a bike race near the finish, and it was a revelation to me how fast the cyclists were travelling in close proximity to each other. Really exciting.

So it was a most enjoyable afternoon, and great to have a major sporting event on ones doorstep. Better still it was another great advertisement for our area.