Images and comment on start of men's road race at UCI Road World Championships in Leeds

A selection of images from the start of the elite men's road race, the final event of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, which began on Millennium Square in Leeds today.

The start was attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Eileen Taylor, Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake and chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan. They were joined by junior riders Finn Coll and Tom Perry of Valley Striders Cycling Club for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting before the race started.

The Leeds Festival of Cycling Fan Zone was also open all day at Leeds Dock, showing the racing and offering a range of cycling activities for people of all ages.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“Thanks to everyone involved for another great sporting day in Leeds and Yorkshire as the eyes of the world watched another amazing event in our city and county. Despite the early start and the wet weather the crowds turned out to see the world’s best in action on our roads, reinforcing once again what a great sporting city Leeds is.

"The success of the UCI Road World Championships and the Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International has been the perfect end to an incredible year of sporting events in Leeds, following on from the Tour de Yorkshire, the World Triathlon Series, the Cricket World Cup and the unforgettable Ashes Test match, so thanks to all who made it so memorable.”

For more details on the 2019 UCI Road World Championships go to worlds.yorkshire.com

ENDS

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Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 9164