Hundreds turn out to enjoy Tour of Britain in Darlington

There was a fantastic atmosphere building from early in the morning as team buses arrived and spectators gathered for the 11am start.

(Image: Northern Echo)

The market square was buzzing with excitement an hour before the start as teams were announced one by one and applauded from the podium.

The Ineos Grenadiers, with Olympic gold medallist Tom Pidcock as star rider, received the largest cheer of the day from the  Darlington crowd.

(Image: Northern Echo)

The energy increased as the minutes ticked towards 11am and the final few teams were announced.

Watching the 107 riders line up at the start line was spectacular and the crowd waved flags and banged on boards to cheer on their favourite teams.

At 11am Stephen Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council, waved the starting flag and stage two set officially began.

(Image: Northern Echo)

Mike Crawshaw, Head of Culture and Heritage for Darlington Borough Council, explained how exciting it was hosting this event.

He said: "I can't tell you how pleased we are to have this event in town.

"Hopefully future cycling events will come here in future too.

"It's good for all of the cycling community and it's also good for people who love a spectacle.

"The theatre of all the teams arriving in their coaches, they will all enjoy the atmosphere.

"It's great for everyone."

Jonathan Day, from British Cycling, described how great the crowds were in the Tees Valley.

(Image: Northern Echo)

He said: "Things are going really well today. We had a great first stage yesterday and it's looking like we will have a great day again today.

"We have been working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority for a number of years now.

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"The area is fantastic for these events. It will be challenging for some of these world beating riders.

"It will make for some brilliant TV.

"We are expecting lots of supporters at every town we pass through."