Photographer Russ Ellis joined the crowds on the climb of the Cow and Calf to capture the atmosphere on stage three of the Tour de Yorkshire
Team Sky’s Lars Petter Nordhaug won the first ever edition of the Tour de Yorkshire after Ben Hermans (BMC) took a solo stage win into Leeds on stage three. However for many, the story of the day was the enormity of the crowds that cheered on the peloton through the Pennines.
Just like Buttertubs Pass and Holme Moss were full of fans to greet the Tour de France last July, the thousands of spectators that lined the Cow and Calf near Ilkley will provide of the enduring memories of the inaugural three day race in Yorkshire.
Photographer Russ Ellis joined the fans to capture the action and atmopshere.
Bradley Wiggins, Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
Sir Bradley Wiggins was the star attraction all weekend in Yorkshire. Making his debut for Team Wiggins, he finished 59th overall.
Bradley Wiggins, Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
Wiggins tackles the Cow and Calf on stage three of the Tour de Yorkshire. The world time trial champion will take part in the City RC open 10-mile time trial on May 16 before his attempt on the UCI Hour Record on June 7.
The view from the Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
Fans began arriving on the Cow and Calf early on to watch the participants in the Tour de Yorkshire sportive, which also finished in Roundhay Park.
A young fan on the Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
You can get good views from up there.
Peloton, Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
The peloton cruises up the climb, led by Giant-Alpecin’s Ramon Sinkeldam.
Cofidis rider, Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
One Cofidis rider makes heavy work of the climb, to the concern of those watching (but the apparent amusement of One Pro Cycling directeur sportif Matt Winston).
Cow and Calf, Tour de Yorkshire
LottoNL-Jumbo rider Maarten Wynants finds himself isolated on the climb.
Cow and Calf: fans
The famous rocky outcrop overlooking Ilkley provided a spectacular viewpoint for the Tour de Yorkshire.
Cow and Calf: breakaway
Lead duo of Lawson Craddock (Giant-Alpecin) and Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) are the first to reach the climb. Craddock would be the last to be caught; stage winner Ben Hermans (BMC) flew past the young American with just over 5km to race.