North Yorkshire today welcomed some of the world’s top cyclists as part of stage four of the Tour of Britain.
The race, returning to the county for the first time in 13 years, travelled between Redcar and Duncombe Park in Helmsley.
Running through the popular seaside towns of Saltburn and Whitby, before heading into the North York Moors National Park, the route featured a punishing uphill climb.
The final 30km featured the demanding climbs of Carlton Bank and Newgate Bank - both 2km long - before descending into the finish at Duncombe Park.
Taking part in the event was North Yorkshire’s own Tim Pidcock, who was edged out in a photo finish as he was denied a stage victory in his home county.
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The 23-year-old from Leeds was pipped by Movistar’s Gonzalo Serrano in Helmsley, a win that also enabled the Spaniard to top the general classification standings after four stages.
Pidcock, his Ineos Grenadiers teammate Omar Fraile and Dylan Teuns (Israel Premier Tech) joined Serrano in a four-man breakaway on the stage’s final climb up Redgate Bank.
Fraile was first to show but it was Serrano who edged home with the previous leader, Benjamin Perry (WiV SunGod,) seven seconds behind in the reduced peloton.
“There was a little bit more of a spur from me today, even though it’s not that close to my house,” admitted Pidcock.
“It was nice today, a load of proud Yorkshire folk with the flags flying, cheering me on. It’s still special for me – it’s where I’m from.”
Check out pictures from event below:
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