Frenzy as giants of cycling hit the town
THOUSANDS of Maxonians young and old turned out to cheer on cyclists as they raced through the town in the Tour of Britain.
The race travelled through Prestbury, Bollington, Rainow, Macclesfield, the Cat and Fiddle and Macclesfield Forest.
It involved some of the best riders in the world including Olympians Mark Cavendish, Owain Doull and Sir Bradley Wiggins, in what is being billed as his farewell tour of the British Isles before retiring.
Sir Bradley got huge cheers as he powered up Buxton Road in front of hundreds of fans including 400 children from Puss Bank primary school.
Headteacher Kathy Nichol said: “It is important for children to get involved in national events as well as local ones. This was the perfect opportunity and great that it went right past our front door. It’s a great experience for everyone.”
Natalie Hinchliffe brought her two-year-old daughter Martha and friends to enjoy the spectacle. She said: “It’s inspiration for the children to see some of the world’s best sportsmen and the perfect excuse for me to see that man Wiggo.”
Macclesfield Community Artspace, with help from Macclesfield Town Council and 160 girls from King’s School, created a piece of aerial art in the form of a massive bike wheel, which was captured by television cameras following the racers.
John Hartshorn, a community artist, said: “The girls were fantastic. They walked around in a circle making it look like the wheel was turning. It was great to celebrate some of the things the town is famous for.” Hundreds lined the streets of Buxton Road in the hope the incline would slow down the speedy cyclists.
Tommy Smith watched the spectacle from his front step. He said: “It’s not every day a Knight of the Realm pedals past your house. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.”
The race was also a homecoming for Dr Richard Usher, 58, from Sutton, who is medical director for Team Sky. He was in the support vehicle following their riders on the gruelling 180km ride.
The 111 mile race started in Congleton trav- elling through Macclesfield before finishing in Tatton Park.
It was won by Team Sky rider Ian Stannard who completed the race in four hours and 14 minutes.
Councillor Janet Jackson, representing Macclesfield central ward for Cheshire East Council, said it had been a roaring success.
“The town has done itself proud coming out in such numbers to cheer on the riders.” ●● SEE more pictures overleaf