Crowds gather for arduous climb
Village at the heart of drama as world-famous champions battle it out to become ‘King of the Mountain’
PICNIC BASKETS, prosecco and homemade flags were to the fore as an expectant crowd trekked its way to the top of the steep hill for which the village of Pool-in-Wharfedale is known.
It’s a hike up ‘Côte de Old Pool Bank’, famous among locals for its arduous climb, but it’s at the heart of the drama as worldfamous cycling champions battle to be named ‘King of the Mountain’. And as they raced by, to roaring shouts and great helicopter clatter, there were thunderous cheers from a waiting crowd as Day Two of the Tour de Yorkshire drew on to its final stretch.
For the village of Pool, bordering Otley and on the outskirts of Leeds, it was another nod to its cycling legacy, having now featured on four major Tours since 2014, including the Grand Départ.
Days before, the blue, white and yellow bunting had been out once again down historic Main Street, chalk messages etched onto pavements, while the old bicycles, painted yellow in honour of the Tour de France, had never really been taken down.
Retired teacher Richard Parker, affectionately known by all as ‘Mr P’, started preparing on Tuesday, draping long lengths of bunting by two local artists.
“This race is good for community spirit,” the 68-yearold said. “And it is a bit special.”
A group gathered early outside the village church, where teas and coffees were served. As anticipation built ahead of the women’s race, it edged slowly closer to the crossroads.
Three-year-old Penny Adams clutched a banner, made up of yellow and blue birds, while her baby sister Joy, eight months, had a cardboard replica of Shane Sutton’s bike.
“We’ve been making them all morning,” said their mother Michelle Adams. “The paint is still wet.”
It’s great to see stuff like this, it gets people really excited. Daniel Thomas, 39, a spectator with his family.
The clapping began as the first motorcycles arrived, and there was laughter as a confused motorist, uncertain as to why he was being welcomed by a cavalcade, attempted to break free. Right on time, at 11.52am, the women racers arrived, a small group speeding by to loud toots and horns. Less than 30 seconds later it was the main peloton, and then it was over in a rush.
But as the day drew to its crescendo, it was all about the men’s race, with villagers starting the long hike to the best stand point on the hill.
“The atmosphere is amazing,” said James Ellis, 50, who has climbed the hill with neighbour Dominic Binks, 40. “To see so many faces from the village, all gathering together as a community.”
Anticipation built as the helicopter was spotted on the horizon, then as the motorcycles arrived. The excitement, among a now roaring crowd of thousands, reached a peak as the champions finally arrived, teeth gritted as they ploughed their way slowly up the steep ascent.
It was a tortuous watch, to see the toll on the faces of the world’s elite athletes, but they struggled on and were gone – on to Otley and the final climb to Ilkley’s Cow and Calf. But for the village, it was just the first taste, for the race will return on Sunday.
Guy Van Lopik, 52, who lives halfway up the hill, said: “I thought it had been over-billed, but it certainly wasn’t. What a spectacle.”
And as Jon Ausobsky concluded it was “absolutely splendid”, his friend Pat Guillou added: “The atmosphere, the ambience, it was fantastic. It’s just that feeling of everybody, of Yorkshire, really pulling together.”