Where to watch the elite women's road race, UCI 2019 Yorkshire Worlds
Harry the
World Champion bear at the top of the Lofthouse climb
The elite
women's road race at the UCI 2019 Yorkshire Worlds takes place on
Saturday 28th September 2019. The route from Bradford via an extended
tour of Nidderdale to Harrogate is 106km; then there are three laps of
the Harrogate circuit (another 44km). That means plenty of opportunities
to see the race.
My suggestions include Bradford, Otley, the climb at Norwood Edge,
Pateley Bridge, the Lofthouse climb, Masham, Hampsthwaite, and
Harrogate. Of course, there are loads of other good places to catch the
action.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Bradford
Bradford City Hall
The elite women's road race starts in Bradford, at Centenary Square.
There should be an opportunity to see the riders signing on and
getting ready for the race.
After they set off down the on Market Street, there's a considerable
neutralised section, where they are rolling out of the city at a
reduced pace. This includes going along Cheapside/Manor Row, the A650
Manningham Lane, through Lister Park, and to Shipley. The racing
starts after Shipley.
The whole of the roll-out route in Bradford should be packed, with
locals and visitors creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Otley
The women's event at Otley cycle races 2018
After leaving Shipley and going up Hollins Hill, the riders reach
White Cross, go past Menston, then fork right to Otley.
Otley has a cycling culture, and Otley cycle races in July are
well-established and popular. Otley is of course Lizzie Deignan's home
town.
There should be big crowds in Otley.
A disadvantage might be that the elite women sweep through the town
rather quickly. That's why you might get a better and longer view of
the competitors if you cycle out to the Norwood Edge climb.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Norwood Edge
Top of Norwood Edge
The first climb, not too far beyond Otley, is Norwood Edge.
Local hill climb competitions take place here. While not that long,
it's steep in places.
Although Norwood Edge comes too early on the route to prove critical
to the end result, it will be a fun place to watch the elite women's
race. The gradient will slow the competitors down, so you get a better
view.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Pateley Bridge
Pateley Bridge High
Street
The world seems to be changing rapidly, and mostly not for the
better. One thing that we can rely on to stay the same, though, is
Pateley Bridge making a cracking job of welcoming a bike race.
There'll be bunting and decorations, and the route will be packed
with spectators.
It should be a great day in Pateley Bridge.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Lofthouse
World
Champion bear at the top of the Lofthouse climb
Climbs are the best places to watch bike races. The Lofthouse climb
is steep enough to slow the riders down a lot, so you'll have longer
to watch and take photos.
I would think that a lot of people will plan to make a day of it,
riding to the Lofthouse climb, picking a spot, watching the race, then
heading home to catch the finish on TV.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Masham
Black Sheep Brewery, Masham
Masham featured in the Tour de France in 2014, and in editions of the
Tour de Yorkshire since then.
It's a market town with a lot of community spirit, and that spirit
will be harnessed to make sure that this wonderful event is a roaring
success.
I'd guess there might be a big screen at the market place or down by
the river, and stalls and entertainment.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Hampsthwaite
Hampsthwaite
It'll be mostly local residents watching in Hampsthwaite, rather than
spectators who have travelled a long way and picked this spot.
Still, it should be a great atmosphere, and a chance to talk to
neighbours when everyone comes out of their houses to see the cyclists
come past.
I'm sure the same will apply to other Nidderdale villages on this
part of the route, including Bishop Thornton, Shaw Mills, Clint,
Birstwith, and Clapham Green.
Where to watch the elite women's road race: Harrogate
Parliament St, on the
UCI 2019 Harrogate circuit
The advantage of watching in Harrogate is that there are three laps
of the Harrogate circuit, so
three chances to see the riders. By the time the race arrives in
Harrogate, there may well be a lead group featuring the strongest
competitors who will fight it out to become World Champion.
There's to be a fan park on West Park Stray, with big screens showing
the race.
