Crowds line Tour of Britain route

A line of five cyclists ascending a steep hill with a view of a beach below. On either side of the road are people waving and cheeringImage source, Stuart Boulton
Image caption,

People lined the route to cheer the competitors on

  • Published

Crowds turned out to greet riders as the Tour of Britain took to roads across Teesside.

The second part of the six-stage event followed a 94.5 mile (152 km) route from Darlington to Redcar.

Thousands of people lined the course, with street entertainment and live music creating a carnival atmosphere.

Stephen Williams crossed the line in first place and was awarded his certificate from the mayor of Redcar and Cleveland.

Four men in Beefeater costume holding aloft a bicycle, and a young cyclist with raised arms in front of them. A man in lycra cycling wear takes a photo of them on a mobile phone while other people look onImage source, Stuart Boulton
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There was plenty of entertainment for the crowds

The route took in Easington, Loftus, Brotton, Skelton, Lingdale and Marske.

Deputy council leader Carrie Richardson said: "It was our chance to welcome some of the world’s elite athletes for our country’s biggest race, with thousands of people attending.

"It’s great that people from right across the country had the chance to see our beautiful scenery and towns.

“We are building a reputation as a key cycling venue and I’d like to congratulate everyone who helped make this happen.”

A high-up view of cyclists taking part in the Tour of Britain negotiating a steep road winding up from a beach. The roadside is lined with people. At the top right hand side a pier extends from the beachfront into the sea, which is at low tideImage source, Owen Humphries/PA Media
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Riders had to navigate the steep bends in Saltburn Bank

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