Large crowds at Otley to see Tour of Britain cyclists (From Wharfedale Observer)

Large crowds at Otley to see Tour of Britain cyclists

10:45am Friday 14th September 2007 in Local news By Jim Jack

LARGE crowds cheered on some of the UK's top cyclists as they raced through the middle of Otley yesterday during the Yorkshire stage of the Tour of Britain.

From the maypole in Manchester Square down to the safety barriers for the Sprint Finish in Boroughgate enthusiasts ranging from toddlers to senior citizens waited excitedly from around 1.15pm for their first view of the leading riders.

They were rewarded, after watching numerous police motorcycles and other safety and support vehicles pass, just after 2pm when the first team of cyclists sped past - and were greeted with loud whistles, cheers of encouragement and hearty applause.

For some, like one little boy starstruck by the sirens and flashing lights of the police bikes who shouted to his mum "wow, that was amazing!", the build-up itself was exciting enough.

Dozens of people, including many amateur cyclists, had congregated in the town centre to catch this part of the Yorkshire stage (now dedicated to the late cancer campaigner Jane Tomlinson) before it progressed to Ilkley and on to Lister Park, Bradford.

Amongst those pressed up against the safety barriers to get the best view were Leeds couple Michael and Clare Fernyhough, who had travelled there by bus.

Mr Fernyhough said: "We've come from the other side of Leeds for this. We're both OAPs, and my wife has a wheelchair. I'm a cycling fan and have ridden since the early 1950s and been a member of lots of local clubs, so I wanted to see this.

"I still ride a little bit now and have a garage full of old bicycles!"

Mrs Fernyhough, who used to live in Bramhope, said: "He's the fan. I just sit and watch it on the telly! This is the first time I've been well enough to come to the race and we just decided this year to go, and we've really enjoyed it.

"We've also enjoyed a wander around Otley and the shops."

Following the Otley stage the crowds quickly dispersed, many to try to get to the Cow and Calf Rocks, at Ilkley, so they could cheer the cyclists for a second time when they reached there to begin the final run into Bradford.