Tour de Yorkshire Day 1: Thrills and spills at the seaside

Sir Gary Verity had said beforehand that this was the only free event at which spectators could get so close to world-class athletes, and on the North Bay they took him at his word.

The atmosphere was buzzing as they roared and hammered against the security barriers. Among them were Caroline Lazenby and Phil Davis, who had travelled - in fancy dress - from Sheffield, itself known for thrilling finish-line sprints.

“It is a tremendous day and it’s fantastic to see how many people have come to Scarborough. Everyone is so friendly,” they said.

“What a setting this is for an event.”

Some of the spectators were more familiar than others. Brian Musson, the 85 year-old star of ITV’s advert for the Tour, said he had been recognised in his home town of Filey and by people from as far afield as New Zealand.

In Whitby, where Don and Pauline Pickard holiday from Leeds, the crowds were out early. “We’ve watched all three years in Whitby and we think this was better than ever,” they said. “It was so well organised.”

Lance Harland, who owns a bike shop in the town, reported a boom in cycling interest since the first Tour. “I’ve been involved in cycling all my life and there are more people out on their bikes now,” he said.

“It’s bringing people back into cycling that haven’t got on a bike for 25 or 30 years.”

Pocklington was also seeing the benefit of its instant tourism boom, with queues outside cafes and stalls set up for the event.

In Bridlington, the riders had set off, on schedule, at 12.30, but Helen Broadley, Emily Dixon and Sarah Wilson were there after nine, just to get the best view.

“We’re not moving,” they said, in case anyone doubted it.

Brid is used to putting on a show, but this, said the mayor, Liam Dealtry, was something else. “You’ve got the VIPs rubbing shoulders and chatting with the public. The atmosphere is phenomenal.”