AS a Richmond resident and having witnessed stages of various tours myself, I thought I knew what to expect when the Tour de Yorkshire took Richmond as its start location on Saturday, May 5.

I knew the roads would be a no-go after late morning, but even before 9am there was a real sense that something major was happening – road cordons in place, police and Red Caps wandering around, plastic bags covering every bin in sight.

Just two hours later Richmond was fizzing with excitement, a hive of cycling enthusiasts young and old, as well as people with little or no interest in cycling but wanting to soak up what promised to be a fantastic atmosphere, no doubt helped by the glorious sunshine.

By the time the team buses were arriving in Newbiggin, the street was lined with people trying to catch a glimpse of their favourite sporting hero, and the most die-hard of all waiting anxiously by the tour buses clutching autograph books and items to be signed.

Hovering by Team Sky, who seemed to take the longest to emerge and collect their bikes from the warm-up stands, was Kevin Brennan and son Matthew, 12, from Darlington.

Both are huge cycling fans and Matthew couldn’t wait to see some of his idols – including Ian Stannard, and Dimension Data’s Mark Cavendish.

He said: “I’d love to be able to take part in competitions like this one day. Seeing the cyclists really inspires me. I have been to other Tour De Yorkshire stages over the last few years, I’m really excited about today.”

Mr Brennan added: “I’m looking forward to seeing some of the local riders too. There are a lot of young lads in Sheffield’s Holdsworth team so I’m keen to support them.”

As time approached 1pm, the crowds started moving to get a better position for the start. The strict two-way pedestrian traffic lanes in Finkle Street had now closed so we were forced to make our way quickly onto Victoria Road, and rather than try to pick my way back into the heaving Market Place, I found a spot opposite the Friary Gardens.

Hundreds of spectators lined the street, while countless families sought shade among the food and shopping tents in the park. As soon as we heard a roar from the crowds in the Market Place the crowds erupted into cheers until at last the riders came into view.

And just like that, they were gone – but instead of a feeling of anti-climax, everyone seemed excited to make their way either to the numerous food stations, mini fairground rides, or, more likely, the pop-up bars in the town centre.

Matt and Charlotte Gospel, from Scorton, had cycled into Richmond on their tandem with 10-month old Edward riding with them.

Mrs Gospel said: “We both really enjoy biking, and Matt has even done the sportive of the Tour de Yorkshire in the past.

“It is so nice there’s so much going on in the town to keep us here longer than just for the race – the community has really embraced it.”

Among the crowd enjoying gin cocktails in front of the Richmond Rocks Festival stage, local residents Jane Thompson-Smith and Karen Barlow enjoyed the party mood.

Ms Thompson-Smith said: “It is just fabulous, Richmond is buzzing and I have never seen it quite like this before.

“It is lovely to see so many local people supporting the event.”