Spirits high and sun shining as elite cyclists cross Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men Stage Four finish line in Newark

It was a sunshine-drenched sprint finish as elite cyclists crossed the Tour of Britain Stage Four finish line in Newark this afternoon (Friday, September 6).

Crowds had gathered in the hour leading up to the Victoria Street finish line which marked the end of an 86-mile route from Derby Arena to Newark’s Sconce and Devon Park.

Music was thumping, crowds banging the barriers and cheering as the riders got closer to the line — on the orders of commentators who said “we want them to hear you before they can see you” — where the stage win was claimed by French cyclist Paul Magnier for team Soudal Quick-Step.

It was his second stage win of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain, having topped the table in the opening stage’s sprint finish in Kelso, where at 20-years-old he became the youngest rider in the last 18 years to lead the Tour of Britain.

He was presented with a Sherwood Forest oak sapling by Newark and Sherwood District Council chairman Jean Hall.

Paul said: “It’s going really well, when I came to the race my goal was to do the best I can.

“The team did a great job all day to control the breakaway.”

He also took the day’s points win.

There was also success for British rider Stephen Williams, racing for team Israel-Premier Tech, who retained his race leader’s jersey after maintaining a good position throughout the East Midlands’ leg of the prestigious road race.

Stephen added: “The atmosphere was really good, the crowds were shouting.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to see the race today.”

The race had drawn both Newarkers and visitors from far and wide, all looking to get a slice of the action — many of who were clad in green Lloyds Bank cycling caps or Robin Hood hats and waving flags handed out to spectators.

Among the crowds lining the finish was Paul Else, of Derby, who had watched the stage start before heading to Newark to see the riders cross the line.

In a front-row position along the barrier, Adrian Hibberd, of Nottingham, said: “It’s close to home and I love the sport.

“I’ve been watching cycling since the late 70s, and I’ve been to all the tours which have finished in the Nottingham area.”

Making a mammoth trip across the country to watch every stage of the race were Suzanne and George Rae, of Cumbria, who have marshalled the race for the last eight years.

“This is a holiday year for us,” Suzanne said.

“It’s nice to actually see the race, you don’t get to see much of it when you’re marshalling — we would just watch it in the hotel in the evening.”

Also planning to follow the remaining stages of the race were Michelle Timmins and Xenia Maddox, from Shropshire, who had settled in for the action with camping chairs and cold drinks.

Keen cyclist Steve Coward, of Peterborough, had made the trip up to Newark to see the race, and Geoff and Rose Stone of Stamford had also made the journey as Geoff is a “fanatical cyclist”.

He added: “There’s some stars in the bunch who I don’t often get chance to see.”

Also in a prime view of the finish line were Alex Booth and Chloe Parker, of Newark, with Luna the dog, who were loving the atmosphere.

Elsewhere, more people were out enjoying the warm weather in the fan village, which saw a range of food, drink, community group, and cycling-related stalls set up in the park — including a have-a-go cycling course by Ridgeback.

Speaking ahead of the finish, Carol Mills, of Newark, said: “I love the tour, we’re going to have a drink at the Spring House and wait for them to come through.

“I think the best bit is the finish — it’s really exciting cheering them on and all that.”

Many cycling club members had also turned out in force, including a group from Tuxford Clarion who had cycled to multiple points on the route.

Jim Harvey, of Tuxord Clairon, said: “We’ve been down to Southwell, then ridden from Southwell to here, and we’ll be cycling back to Tuxford later.

“The tour is great, it is perfect for us because it’s in our area so we can see it in multiple different places.”

Also on their bikes were members of Cleethorpes Triathlon Club, who had made the trip to Newark from Grimsby.

Many of the area’s political figures were also watching from beside the finish line, including East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward who had seen the elite athletes off on the start line in Derby earlier in the day.

She said: “I’m so proud that they’ve come here, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase the East Midlands — people will be watching the race not just in the UK but across the world too. They’ll see all our favourite parts of our communities and towns.

“It is great for our local economy too. Its good weather and people will be out and about, and they’ll stop off for a cup of tea or a bite to eat.”

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council was also among the crowds, and speaking ahead of the race added: “It’s is just starting to bubble up now, we’re about an hour away from seeing the cyclists race past.

“It’s a good atmosphere and it’s great to have the tour here again.”

Prior to the finish in Newark the race passed through many towns and villages in Newark and Sherwood, and wider Notttinghamshire, including Southwell and Collingham, where there was a fast-paced sprint section to thrill gathered crowds.

The two remaining stages of the race, Northampton and Lowestoft to Felixstowe, will continue over the next few days, with TV coverage on ITV4 and ITVX.