Tour de Yorkshire 2016 Review
Over two million spectators came out in force to line the highways and byways of “God’s Own County”, as the 2016 Tour de Yorkshire reinforced its status as one of the most up-and-coming bike races in the world. The route wound up hills and down dales, from Beverley to Scarborough, as it clocked up over 500km in just three days. Passing just ten miles from the E&L offices, we were tempted to strap on our helmets and join the back of the peloton!
Despite the weather, which being typically Yorkshire was wet, dank and moody, this year’s edition of the road cycle race was a roaring success. Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme paid homage to the event and the local spectators saying “The Tour de Yorkshire is on the podium for being one of the best bike races in the world and for me the best public for cycling in the world.”
Icy Rain & Otley’s Own
The first day began in Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire and made its way westwards, up into the Dales, to Settle and despite driving rain and bitterly-cold winds, loyal locals still came out in force. Fortunately, the conditions eased somewhat during the second stage, as the Tour moved on to the picturesque market town of Otley before heading south and finishing off in Doncaster, overlooked by the dramatic and imposing St George’s Minster. The second day also played host to the women’s race in which Otley’s Olympic gold medallist Lizzie Armistead received a rousing reception but was beaten in a thrilling race to the tape by Dutch rider Kirsten Wild.
From ‘Brough to ‘Borough
The final and decisive day of the men’s race took place between Middlesbrough and Scarborough. The coastal town had played host to the finish of the inaugural 2015 event and the organisers made the right decision bringing back the impressive seafront finale. Punishing conditions gave way to persistent and annoying drizzle and yet still the crowds turned out in huge numbers. They weren’t to be disappointed as Britain’s Team Sky made a bold attempt to take the title for the second year running. However, they were to be disappointed as French veteran and cult hero Thomas Voeckler timed his final sprint to perfection, finishing six seconds ahead of Ireland’s Nicolas Roche.
A Home from Home for Voeckler
Voeckler, 36, hailed the crowds who thronged the grassy banks on Scarborough’s promenade saying “I feel like this is home because the crowd were shouting my name.”
Prudhomme added. “The people of Yorkshire have passion and pride. I love what the Tour de Yorkshire has done for children who are watching this on route…these are memories that those children will never forget. The passion is growing and growing.”
The Tour de France director could not have been more right and Yorkshire towns and villages will be awaiting the 2017 event with warm hearts and baited breath.
Final standings: Tour de Yorkshire 2016
1 VOECKLER Thomas DEN FRA 13h05’16” 00″
2 ROCHE Nicolas SKY IRL 13h05’22” 06″
3 TURGIS Anthony COF FRA 13h05’32” 16″
4 YATES Adam OGE GBR 13h05’33” 17″
5 KRUIJSWIJK Steven TLJ NED 13h05’37” 21″
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