AFTER years in the planning, the stage was finally set for Richmondshire to be put on show to the world for the premier cycling event in the world – and despite early morning downpours, the clouds parted to let the sun shine on Richmond for the start of the UCI Junior Men's Race.

Newbiggin in Richmond was already packed at 11am with team buses and young cyclists warming up in preparation for the big race.

The riders shared group hugs with teammates as they waited in Richmond Market Place for the start of the race before the leader of Richmond District Council, Angie Dale, cut the ribbon.

As the teenagers took off from the Market Place, the crowds, including youngsters from local schools, cheered and waved their flags.

Among the spectators there was a mix of locals keen to support their town, and European cycling enthusiasts, including Bert Visser and Annemarieke Visser-Snellink.

Mr Visser said: "We are staying in Boroughbridge and are here for the full week.

"We have not visited North Yorkshire before, but are cycling fans and have been to other UCI events in the past.

"We watched the time trial on Wednesday and saw the riders coming through Bedale, and we have also been to Ripon and Harrogate.

"At previous UCI championships, it has all been in one location, so this year has been interesting to see more of the local area."

One excited family travelled from Sint Truiden, Belgium, to support 17-year-old Milan Paulus.

His mum, Carine Paulus, said she was nervous but keen to see him cross the finish line.

She said: "We have been here since yesterday and staying until Sunday to watch the rest of the team riders.

"He has been cycling for five years so has done very well to get here this year, it is his first year at UCI.

"I'm very nervous. He wants it to rain because he likes it in the wet but I want it to stay dry!

"I just hope he gets over the finish line ok. This is such a great experience for him as he wants to ride professionally in the future."

Local couple, Elaine and Robert Spiller, said it was great for the town

Mrs Spiller said: "We enjoy cycling for fun, and we always come down when it's something like this. It's great because its bringing people into the town, it's a good showcase for Richmond and it's good fun."

Pete Bridgstock, from Catterick, said he had worked in Richmond since 1976.

He added: "It is amazing to see how many people have travelled here from other countries, it can only be a good thing to bring people in."

Charlotte and Matt Gospel, from Scorton, brought two-year-old cycling fan Edward to watch the start of the race.

Mrs Gospel said: "It was another brilliant turn out by Richmond town to welcome international cycling.

"It is always a great atmosphere with real community spirit. We ended up standing with the children and staff from the Rooftops Nursery, and all the tots were waving flags when the riders went past.

"We are looking forward to going to Reeth for the Elite Men's Road Race on Sunday."

Inspector Mark Gee from Richmond Police said it had been a fantastic event.

"It is great to see local families enjoying the atmosphere. We have been here to support this event in our community and to engage with the public, but also we have played an important role in keeping people safe by having that extra police presence."

Leader of Richmondshire District Council Angie Dale said it had been exciting to see the district on the world stage.

"It was amazing to set the riders off by cutting the ribbon.

"Everything has gone seamlessly and it is largely thanks to a couple of years of hard work by council staff and officers, as well as the event organisers.

"The land art looks spectacular and the local schoolchildren have made artwork hanging on the Green Howards' Museum, and on little flags that have been handed out."

The men’s junior road race started in Richmond at 12.10pm on Thursday, and the riders rode to Catterick Garrison, before passing over the tops to Bellerby and Leyburn, through Wensleydale villages Redmire and Wensley. After crossing the river at Aysgarth Falls, they rode from Wharfedale and to the finish at Harrogate.