Gearing up as Tour de Yorkshire rolls into region

The country's most decorated female Paralympian in history met cycling fans as they geared up for the Tour de Yorkshire this weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Apr 2016, 08:29 BST
Updated 27th Apr 2016, 09:33 BST
PIC: Simon WilkinsonPIC: Simon Wilkinson
PIC: Simon Wilkinson

Dame Sarah Storey got on her bike to cycle a reccy of the route ahead of the Asda Women’s race on Saturday.

Dame Sarah met residents and local schoolchildren from Monk Fryston CE School in Hillam where the village is decked out in bunting, bikes and banners ready for the race.

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There were also children waving her on from South Milford Community Primary School in South Milford.

Dame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon WilkinsonDame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon Wilkinson
Dame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon Wilkinson

The international cyclist has an incredible sporting history after winning 11 gold, eight silver and three bronze medals across six Paralympic Games.

Dame Sarah Storey, who will race with her Podium Ambition Pro Cycling Powered By Club La Santa team, said:“It was brilliant doing a thorough recon of the route for the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire race this weekend.

“I am excited to start my season here.

“I have chosen to wait until the middle of the spring because there is so much racing for me this year and I want to still be firing on all cylinders in the autumn when we hopefully will be in Rio and Qatar.”

PIC: Simon WilkinsonPIC: Simon Wilkinson
PIC: Simon Wilkinson
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Barney Storey MBE manager of Team Storey Sport added:“Racing at home as a team is always fantastic and to have the support on the route that the riders will have on Saturday is going to make for a very special event.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dame Sarah back to Yorkshire once again. She is one of the greatest Paralympians of all time and having a cyclist of her calibre is what helps make the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire Race one of the best women’s races there is.”

Monk Fryston has joined forces with its neighbouring village of Hillam to put on a huge festival of cycling during the race.

The Monk Fryston Community Centre is due to host big screen coverage of the race, a beer festival, entertainment, live music and art installations.

Dame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon WilkinsonDame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon Wilkinson
Dame Sarah Storey Ludwell Hill between Barnburgh and High Melton . PIC: Simon Wilkinson
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West Yorkshire Police have issued advice for people looking to watch the event.

Police said drivers needed to plan ahead and be aware that road closures would be only for 40 minutes at a time.

The three-day event starts on Friday in Beverley and ends in Settle with stage two from Otley to Doncaster.

Stage three starts in Middlesbrough and ends in Scarborough.

For a full breakdown visit letour.yorkshire.com/2016.

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