A True Global Event!
At a time of national and international uncertainty, we were so proud to celebrate global unity and healthy competition at the World Road Race Championships. The coveted rainbow jersey was awarded to para-cyclists, juniors, U23s and elite women and men. With 1,400 athletes from 90 countries competing, over 2,000 volunteers made it a roaring success with Yorkshire having an estimated global TV viewing audience of over 250 million.
Spirit of Togetherness
Out on the road supporting this celebration of community and first-class sporting endeavour, we met people from all over the world. Young and old were coming together respectfully to celebrate and support the achievements of other people. This was a real tonic – the spirit of togetherness, co-operation and sharing were evident everywhere we went over the nine days.
Proud to be Yorkshire
Our great team were out in force even before the cycling got underway, proudly waving with the Yorkshire ‘Y’ and rainbow colours before them.
Just like with the Tour de Yorkshire, people came out on the streets and took the opportunity to get dressed up.
On the final day in the pouring rain out on the circuit, we celebrated the Danish win of Mads Petersen with Stig and Morten Andreassen from Denmark, as well as a very excitable sheep from Skipton.
Paceline Cycles & Armstrong Watson
Our partners at Paceline Cycles and Armstrong Watson were excited to be celebrating this unique event. David Richmond from Armstrong Watson even took centre stage on the road to Harrogate, making an exhibition of himself roadside at Ainderby Steeple while watching the individual time trials.
Family Event
We’re proud to be a family business and Mark’s family draped themselves in the More Than Metal flag for the U23s road race over Blubberhouses and, in true tradition, enjoyed making a racket with their cowbells.
They even came out to cheer on the old man who had a great time hauling himself around the course in the rain on the sportive.
The Finish Line in Harrogate
The World Championships will probably never come to Yorkshire again but what a great celebration of community spirit it has been.
We now can’t wait for the Tour de Yorkshire to come around next spring. Vive la Yorkshire!
GoPro Footage
Mark also borrowed Steve Burles’ Go Pro handlebar camera and got some great riders’ views of some exciting parts of the race circuit and beyond. Accompanying music courtesy of No Spiel – recorded at a church in Sandbeds in 1992 – Andy (guitars), Joe (guitars), Tim (bass) and Mark (drums). They’re all More Than Metal – thanks, lads!