OUR reporters and photographers have been out on the course of Stage 3 of the Tour de Yorkshire today.

Thousands of people massed in Richmond and then lined the route through to Scarborough.

The peloton set off from Richmond at 1.10pm and made its way to the east coast, passing through Leyburn, Bedale, Northallerton and Thirsk along the way.

The Northern Echo:

Crowds waiting under blue skies in Richmond for the start of the race. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo:

Teams arriving in Richmond for the start of the race. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Large crowds gathered under blue skies in Richmond town centre, where many bystanders were able to see the team coaches pulling into the town. 

A party atmosphere built in the town, where local councils had pulled out all the stops to make sure it was a day to remember with activities and entertainment. 

After a ceremonial start in Richmond, the race began in Catterick Garrison - the first time the race has passed through the town. The cyclists arrived in the town from Richmond to cheering crowds, bunting and decorated shops, passing down the hill from Richmond, before turning right at the camp centre roundabout, past the new Princes Gate Shopping Centre and towards the official start line.

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jordan, Commander of Catterick Garrison, said: “It is very special for the the Tour de Yorkshire to come through the Garrison this year. 

"Every village and town in Yorkshire hopes to have a piece of the action and we were very pleased to secure this for the Garrison.”

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said: “Once again the number of roadside spectators was utterly unbelievable. I don’t think Richmond has ever seen so many people and every village and town along the route was packed with smiling faces.

“Scarborough did itself proud as well. We love the finish on the North Bay and it’s an iconic feature of the Tour de Yorkshire. The crowds are always massive there but this year they were larger than ever and we were treated to some great racing in brilliant sunshine.

“We’ve had three magnificent days and we’re all excited now to see how the Yorkshire Terrier turns out.”

The final stage of the race tomorrow also takes in a swathe of North Yorkshire.

Starting from Halifax, the 189.5km route loops up to Middleham before heading back south through Masham and Kirkby Malzeard to finish in Leeds at around 5pm.