SOME of the world's top riders have set off from Northallerton in the UCI World Championships today.
The Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial sees riders take on a 54km route to Harrogate.
The elite riders began to set off on the route at 1.20pm.
Julian Norton, well known for his TV role on the popular programme The Yorkshire Vet is among those soaking up the atmosphere today.
He said: "It is very good, it is lively and it is full of all sorts of people; some cycling enthusiasts and some just interested parties. I have just been walking around the bike team buses and seen some of the fantastic bikes. It is great to be part of, it’s really good."
Along the route through the town centre, the White Horse Cafe has adopted Norway for the Championships, while The Potting Shed has opted for an Australian theme outside its premises.
One man bringing some genuine Australian support to the event is ‘Aussie Pete’, from Inala near Brisbane.
He’s helping out at The Potting Shed cooking up what he jokingly describes as crocodile and kangaroo burgers on a typical Aussie BBQ.
He is certain that Australian cyclists will triumph in the Championships and says he is enjoying his day in Northallerton.
"The people of Northallerton are unbelievably friendly. They are such nice people and it makes me feel at home," he said.
Staff at Maxwells of Northallerton have embraced America as their county of choice. Senior partner Bill Burton who has worked at the shop since 1963 says he has never seen anything like this in Northallerton before.
“The atmosphere has been fantastic. No business is being done but it is what we expected. It is great to see to see Northallerton turn out like this. It is superb.”
Pizza Express has put out free pizza snacks for the crowds. Pictured are Amy Carrahar and Robert Grant. Amy says she hopes the restaurant benefits this evening from people who have travelled up for the event and are staying in the area.
Preparations for the global event have been ongoing for months and shops along the high street are decorated with bicycles along the length of the road.
The Championship are expected to be watched by around 250 million viewers worldwide, further cementing North Yorkshire’s position as a truly international cycling destination.
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