Blimey, they don’t hang about. Bradley Wiggins and co zipped round York twice in double-quick time as the Tour de Yorkshire brought the cream of the cycle racing world back to the city.
Thanks to impressive organisation, an army of cheerful stewards and a fleet of high-fiving police motorcycle outriders, the event was a massive success to rival last year’s visit of the Tour de France.
In some ways the Tour de Yorkshire surpassed that event. Last year the Peloton completed a processional ride around the city centre before the competition proper began beyond the ring road.
This time they were racing before our eyes. And because the riders completed two, much longer circuits of the city, we saw a lot more of them along a longer route.
Thousands came out on to the streets to cheer them on at the end of Stage 2 of the race. Having started from Selby Abbey hours and 174km earlier, the stage was won by Dutchman Moreno Hofland in a sprint finish.
Earlier Louise Mahe had triumphed in the women’s race, which took place over four laps of a 20km circuit.
Chief executive of City of York Council Kersten England summed up the day:
York has once again been shown at its best to millions of people around the world. I want to thank all the staff involved from the council, the emergency services and region-wide partners who’ve worked together to make this day so special.
To have such a prestigious inaugural women’s race staged here also today is another boost for the real legacy of this race – getting more people to cycle more often in York and across the region.
Gallery: incredible sportsmen and women
Tweets: The excitement builds
The entrance to #york for @letouryorkshire #TdY pic.twitter.com/IFkeeM5GJa
— Keith Handley (@YorkfoxDaytoDay) May 2, 2015
Come on #York lets play our part & do @letouryorkshire & @VisitYork PROUD…. As #Delia once said "Lets be having you" #letouryorkshire
— shaun collinge (@maltingsyork) May 2, 2015
A well-deserved cheer for @NYorksRPG & colleagues from around the country in #York today. #TDYPolicePics #TDY 👏 pic.twitter.com/1B3JmmR591
— SC Tom Stirling (@SC2142NYP) May 2, 2015
For some, waiting for #TdY in York today just proved too much! pic.twitter.com/HjMaFbSVmW
— Julia Stagg (@juliastagg) May 2, 2015
The women went first
Warm-ups underway ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire women's race around York #TdY pic.twitter.com/YTGlHRhXSX
— BBC Look North (@BBCLookNorth) May 2, 2015
Riders just starting final lap of #tdy women's race in #York pic.twitter.com/I7cXVAmfcQ
— BBC Look North (@BBCLookNorth) May 2, 2015
Then the men hit town
Crowds and front riders on Stonebow, York, in today's @letouryorkshire – great day @LeTour_York ! #TDY pic.twitter.com/O6XgFBiVV4
— Rebecca (@EarthworkBec) May 2, 2015
Photo: Lovely afternoon watching the Tour de Yorkshire at various points around York #TdY http://t.co/g40CvWqOwv
— Melanie (@Polhillian) May 2, 2015
Cold day in York, but the rain held off and the cycling was fantastic #tdy #tourdeyorkshire pic.twitter.com/EIIVdu5kfk
— Steven Agnew (@agnew1979) May 2, 2015
Final lap – I think the ginger one will win! #TDY #York @letouryorkshire pic.twitter.com/3bXS3nY3WH
— Grand Old Uke ofYork (@gouyclub) May 2, 2015
The peloton coming through the finish line, 2 circuits of York to go #TdY pic.twitter.com/eJcBopZ4KW
— Tour de Yorkshire (@letouryorkshire) May 2, 2015
#TDY riders pass memorial near Clifford's Tower as first circuit of York begins pic.twitter.com/k5Sd9mT1gB
— BBC Look North (@BBCLookNorth) May 2, 2015
VIDEO Second circuit of the peloton down Micklegate #York @letouryorkshire @Welcome2Yorks @BBCYork @CityofYork pic.twitter.com/6OftoZSKWS
— Jonathan Cowap (@joncowap) May 2, 2015
Great atmosphere at @letouryorkshire in centre of #York. @VisitYork @yorkpress @CliftonCCYork @York_Today @garyverity pic.twitter.com/s7C2avZ8DN
— Andy Falconer (@andyfalconer) May 2, 2015
Our photo gallery from Stage 2 is live, another great stage showcasing Yorkshire! #TdY http://t.co/uizqw2FwIU pic.twitter.com/NyGQNY3yWL
— Tour de Yorkshire (@letouryorkshire) May 2, 2015
There were parties on Bishy Road…
Great view @Welcome2Yorks @letouryorkshire @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/NGja9VC4dQ
— Sally Trousdale (@PickandMixMS) May 2, 2015
Lap Two of the @letouryorkshire looking magnificent past @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/F2KOu1l0Qh
— Pat Hadley (@PatHadley) May 2, 2015
You can't have a BishyRd street party without children and chalk. @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/BUGPnY8U3F
— Buckvester (@Buckvester) May 2, 2015
Karno's Circus wowing the crowd at the BishyRd Car Park stage @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/TctUHPnvtQ
— Buckvester (@Buckvester) May 2, 2015
Best view in the house! @letouryorkshire @bishyroadnet #York #TdY pic.twitter.com/6fzqHVZooa
— Peg Alexander (@Peg_Alexander) May 2, 2015
Making friends at the @bishyroadnet street party pic.twitter.com/zN54ZJ62j3
— York Office Team (@MacmillanYOFC) May 2, 2015
BishyRd Bertie showing his Yorkshire Pride @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/kpK8I0KYGg
— Buckvester (@Buckvester) May 2, 2015
Come down to the BishyRd car park and let your inner groove loose @bishyroadnet pic.twitter.com/ZFME2NHaKz
— Buckvester (@Buckvester) May 2, 2015
…And on Fossgate
Dancing in the street… More jiving this afternoon pic.twitter.com/wHBnlLvJkl
— [email protected] (@fossgatefest) May 2, 2015
Dignitaries arriving with the lovely Zoe from @ambientetapas pic.twitter.com/2JpxF4jtk1
— [email protected] (@fossgatefest) May 2, 2015
The winners acclaimed
RT@letouryorkshire: Lots of smiles and celebrations from the podium at the #WTdY pic.twitter.com/uqDjfc7hX0 & our very own @kersten1england !
— City of York Council (@CityofYork) May 2, 2015
@lpnordhaug for @teamsky retains the @letouryorkshire race lead in York. #tdy by milltag pic.twitter.com/MDryrenMUg
— Milltag (@Milltag) May 2, 2015
The General Classification after Stage 2 is Lars Petter Nordhaug! #TdY pic.twitter.com/1Qd2QGRKn7
— Tour de Yorkshire (@letouryorkshire) May 2, 2015
Honour & pleasure to be 1 of the #britishflowers growers to grow & arrange #York #TdY bouquets Thanks @Welcome2Yorks pic.twitter.com/XUqDqKB7tM
— Rachel Wilkes (@DuckAndDaffodil) May 2, 2015