Tour of Britain: Cyclists tackle punishing North Yorkshire route

Gonzalo Serrano crossed the finish line first in Helmsley

The North Yorkshire leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race has been won by Gonzalo Serrano from the Movistar Team.

Starting in Redcar, stage four of the contest finished at Duncombe Park after an "unforgiving" uphill race.

The 93-mile (150km) stage also took in Whitby and the North York Moors National Park.

Tour of Britain organiser Peter Hodges said Wednesday's stage was probably the hardest of the entire event, with more than 8,530ft (2,600m) of climbing.

Earlier, Mr Hodges had said: "It's not the longest of stages, but it's probably the hardest...It's up and down all day long."

The riders passed through the village of Sleights

Among the 176 riders taking part were North Yorkshire brothers Charlie and Harry Tanfield, from Great Ayton.

Harry Tanfield won stage one of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2018, while Charlie Tanfield is a cycling World Cup gold medallist.

Whitby Abbey was another landmark on the 93-mile (150km) route

The eight-stage Tour of Britain is due to end on the Isle of Wight on 11 September.

Mr Hodges said local authorities could only support so many competitions like this and the cancellation of the Tour de Yorkshire in recent years had "provided opportunities for other races".