A CARNIVAL atmosphere greeted riders in the Tour de Yorkshire today as the final stage of the race passed through parts of the Bradford district.

The early stages of the 189.5km stage from Halifax to Leeds took in Oxenhope and the cobbled streets of Haworth before competitors tackled the gruelling Cote de Goose Eye.

The race then entered Skipton before heading out into the Dales en route towards its finish in Leeds, via a second visit of the four-day event to Otley.

Haworth, and particularly Main Street, was as usual a honeypot for both cycling enthusiasts and those who simply wanted to witness the exciting spectacle.

Although the cyclists were not due to arrive until around 1pm, the historic cobbled street began filling with people during the morning who wanted the best vantage points.

Among those cosy in the shade of a shop were Keighley couple Paul and Clare Cook and their friend Dolly Makhoabenyane.

Like many people they had been in Haworth to watch both the Grand Depart and the subsequent Tour de Yorkshire visits.

Clare said: “It’s lovely to watch the race in Main Street, it’s atmospheric with the cobbles. We’ve been lucky with the weather this year – last year we were in jeans and jumpers.”

While waiting for the cyclists to arrive, Clare was texting with her mother Sue Daniels in South Africa, while her father Eric settled down in front of the television to watch the race.

The pair have lived for 50 years in South Africa, where Clare was born.

Clare said: “My dad will be watching to see us. He paused the live telly last year because he could see my son on my shoulders in Main Street.

“My dad’s a keen cyclist. Although he’ll be 75 years old this year he still rides 100km a week.”

Ingrow man Christopher Akitt and his 11-year-old daughter Annalise, both keen cyclists, were catching lunch at the Changegate chippy before finding a prime spot for race watching.

Oxenhope was festooned with bunting and rosettes to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire riders to Brontëland thanks to 16 hours of effort by volunteer residents.

Children from Keighley schools had decorated sections of the route with support from Bradford Council, St Mary’s Church and the Fab Lab at Keighley College.

Artwork in the form of a giant traditional rickshaw was created for a field in Oakworth by the Bangladeshi Community Association and Holycroft Primary School.

A flock of geese greeted the riders as they tackled the steep climb at Cote de Goose Eye, some created by young people from Keighley.

Staff at Townend Close elderly people’s complex in Cross Hills were delighted that Tour de Yorkshire spectators bought raffle tickets for their Vintage Fair and chatted with residents.

In Skipton, huge crowds gathered on a baking hot High Street to watch the riders power through the town towards Embsay and beyond.

Fans donned race hats and waved Yorkshire flags and bells as the race leaders and then the main peloton were given enthusiastic cheers.

One group eagerly watching the action were members of the Cycle Derby and Heanor Carion cycling clubs, who had ridden to Skipton after camping in Otley the night before.

Club member Andrea Buckley said: “We try to come to this event every year. We stayed in Scarborough last year and we were at Sutton Bank yesterday.

“The crowds here are just unbelievable. It is an amazing event that just keeps getting better and better every year.”

Carol McLean, who had travelled to watch the race from Harrogate, said: “We’ve come here before for the race, and for the Waterways festival.

“We were here for the Tour de France and last year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

“It is a great atmosphere, and the people are very friendly. And the weather is lovely today.”

Lucy Simpson, from nearby Sutton-in-Craven, said: “It’s an enjoyable day out, a great atmosphere. I was hear for the Tour de France and had a great time.

“The weather has been good for us. It’s great for tourists and bringing people here.”

Helping to marshal the crowds was Sharon Hudson, of Craven District Council, who said: “Once again, Skipton has not disappointed.

“The crowds gave an amazing reception for the riders and the event showcases the town brilliantly.”

Around 1.7 million fans lined the route of the race on the first three days of the event, the first two days of which included the Tour de Yorkshire’s women’s race.

The leader going into today's final stage of the men’s race was Danish rider Magnus Cort Nielsen of the Astana Pro Team, but the title ultimately went to Belgian rider Greg Van Avermaet.