Thousands of people packed the streets of Northallerton, Bedale and surrounding villages yesterday to watch the world’s best cyclists speed through as the UCI Road World Championships came to Hambleton.
Northallerton was given a special mention from race organisers for the way it pulled together to welcome the prestigious event.
The men’s elite time trial race from Northallerton to Harrogate was won by Rohan Dennis, who put a difficult period behind him in emphatic style as he dominated the event.
Dennis hadn’t competed since climbing off his bike mid-way through the 12th stage of this summer’s Tour de France, but returned to action in a sensational manner to wrap up the rainbow jersey for a second successive year.
The 29-year-old Australian was the final rider down the start ramp in a packed Northallerton where crowds were literally five-to-six people deep along the High Street to cheer them away.
Dennis managed to maintain an average speed of just under 50km/hr (31 m/hr) on the undulating 54km trek which took in iconic Yorkshire landmarks such as Ripley Castle, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden before arriving into an equally bustling Harrogate.
Yorkshire 2019 CEO Andy Hindley said: “We saw some amazing cycling and it was another cracking day for Yorkshire.
“The crowds in Northallerton were fantastic and they were full of support for the riders as they started. On the climbs and through the villages as well, we couldn’t have asked for any more, and Harrogate provided another great welcome.”
Welcome to Yorkshire commercial director Peter Dodd said: “On every kilometre of the route today we saw pride and passion from the fans, and that true Yorkshire spirit.
“Special mention to Northallerton for the way the community came together to celebrate the race.
“Every business had adopted a country and their window displays were brilliant.
“The UCI Road World Championships have never seen land art like what was on the route today either as well, and the footage of this event is taking Yorkshire global.”
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