Tour de Yorkshire 2017

RMC MEDIA’S GUIDE TO THE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE 2017

RMC MEDIA’S GUIDE TO THE

Tour de

2017

Yorkshire FRIDAY 28 – SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2017

WHERE TO WATCH Best vantage points for three days of top cycling

LOCAL HERO Adam Blythe is racing on home ground

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RMC MEDIA’S GUIDE TO THE

Tour de

2017

Yorkshire

WELCOME TO RMC MEDIA’S GUIDE TO THE 2017 TOUR DE YORKSHIRE

Cycling fever has gripped the county ever since the unforgettable 2014 Grand Depart, when the Tour de France hopped over the English Channel to Yorkshire for its opening stages.

The public response locally was overwhelming, leading many longstanding Tour watchers to observe they had never seen so many enthusiastic spectators lining the route to cheer on the riders.

The lasting legacy of this once-in-alifetime sporting success is The Tour De Yorkshire, which was launched the following year and has immediately established itself as one of the biggest and most popular events in the sporting calendar.

This year’s spectacle begins on Friday 28 April and over three days some of the world’s greatest cyclists will tackle a punishing schedule that takes them from Bridlington to Scarborough (day one), Tadcaster to Harrogate (day two) and Bradford to Fox Valley, Sheffield (day three).

In this publication we look at each day in detail so you can select the best spots to watch the race. We talk to some of the key players and our Beginners’ Guide will help the novice spectator understand what is happening as the riders whizz by.

The toughest stage in the brief history of the Tour de Yorkshire looks like being the climax of the last day when the race moves from West to South Yorkshire and into Penistone, and a sprint is on the cards at Stocksbridge before the riders embark on a 22km finishing circuit that features four categorised Tour de 2017 climbs.

Yorkshire These come at Deepcar, Wigtwizzle, Ewden Height and WHERE TO WATCH Midhopestones LOCAL before the race HERO finishes at Fox GET INVOLVED Valley, Sheffield.

6 A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO THE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE 10 STAGE 1 14 STAGE 2 18 STAGE 3 22 The Sportive 2017 MASERATI TOUR DE YORKSHIRE RIDE 26 FOX VALLEY 32 TONY GIBB Interview 36 ADAM BLYTHE Interview 40 LOOKING BACK 44 TOP GEAR Maserati Test Drive 20

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RMC MEDIA’S GUIDE TO THE

FRIDAY 28 – SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2017

Best vantage points for three days of top cycling

Adam Blythe is racing on home ground

Published by: RMC MEDIA, 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 0XF Tel: 0114 250 6300. Email: info@rmcmedia.co.uk Website: www.rmcmedia.co.uk Not connected with any other company or group.

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Tour de

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Yorkshire

A Beginners Guide to the Tour De Yorkshire

For those unaccustomed to the ins and outs of competitive bicycle racing, this guide provides a few things to keep your eye out for, in what can appear to be a very confusing format. Words TOM WEST.

THE JERSEYS Being crowned the winner of the Tour de Yorkshire won’t be every rider’s primary agenda, with riders racing as part of a team as they prime their strongest rider overall for a shot at the title. Across the weekend, riders therefore compete for a number of different coloured jerseys according to their riding style.

The Leader’s Jersey The leader’s jersey will be awarded to the first rider across the line in Scarborough. After the end of stage 2 and stage 3, the jersey will be awarded to the rider with the lowest accumulative time across each of the stages. The winner of the Tour de Yorkshire will be the rider who completes each stage in the fastest time across all three stages.

Sprint Jersey The green sprint jersey is worn by the rider who accumulates the most points across each of the intermediate sprints. For the 6 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

first rider across the line at each intermediate sprint, 20 points will be awarded, with 17 points for second place, 15 for third, 13 for fourth and 11 for fifth.

The Digital Jersey Unique to the Tour de Yorkshire is the podium jersey which is voted for by fans via twitter. The digital jersey is awarded to the rider who distinguishes themselves as the most aggressive rider, the rider who makes the most effort, as well as the rider who demonstrates the best qualities in terms of sportsmanship across each of the stages.

King of the Mountain Jersey Like the sprinters jersey, the king of the mountain jersey follows a similar format to the sprinters, with points up for grabs for the first riders to cross the line in the designated mountain climbs.

THE TEAMS Men’s Race Teams • BMC Racing Team (USA) • Team Sky (GBR) • Team Katusha-Alpecin (SUI) • Orica-Scott (AUS) • Team Sunweb (GER) • Dimension Data (RSA) • Direct Energie (FRA) • Team Lotto NL Jumbo (NED) • Team Cofidis (FRA) • Delko-Marseille Provence KTM (FRA) • Team Roompot (NED) • Aqua Blue Sport (IRE) • BIKE Channel Canyon (GBR) • ONE Pro Cycling (GBR) • Great Britain Cycling Team • JLT Condor (GBR) • Madison Genesis (GBR) • Raleigh GAC (GBR)

Image courtesy Alex Broadway / SWPix

Asda Tour De Yorkshire Women's Race Teams • Drops Cycling Team • Boels-Dolmans • Team Hitec Products • Team Sunweb • Alé Cipollini Galassia • Canyon-SRAM • Cylance Pro Cycling • Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling • Bepink-Cogeas • FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope • Team Ford EcoBoost • Team Jadan Weldtite • Cervélo Bigla Pro Cycling • Lares-Waowdeals • Fusion RT Fierlan • Team Storey Sport • NCC Group-Kuota-Torelli • Team WNT

HOW TO WORK OUT WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING Road racing is packed full of twists and turns (quite literally) with drama that can be expected throughout the day. Yet this can be confusing with lots of different tactics that riders will employ.

The Peloton Originally from the French meaning platoon, the peloton is the largest body of riders in a road cycling race. Due to the huge numbers of riders in the pack, the peloton offers riders the chance to conserve energy, by drafting and slipstreaming cycling as close as possible to the rider in front.

The strongest teams will each be vying to control the front of the peloton, as this is where the pace of the race is set, as well as being the prime position for a team to launch a surprise attack. Look out for team Sky as they control the peloton, picking up the pace towards the end of each stage as they prime their lead rider for the final push.

Breakaways and Attacks Tactics in tour racing are just as important as the cycling itself – it’s not just about

riding as fast as you can all of the time. In the early stage of the race a small group of riders, often in a group of three to six, break away from the peloton in an attempt to put as much distance between themselves and the peloton as possible, as they try to win the stage from the start. Breakaways rarely contain overall contenders, with the peloton often happy to let them get as far as ten minutes ahead, relatively confident that they will catch them.

Attacks on the other hand often take place on the classified climbs throughout the stage with one rider breaking from the group entirely, hoping that other riders will not be able to maintain pace with him. The climb through Robin Hood’s Bay may be the perfect opportunity on stage 1, giving riders a short distance to the finish if they manage to mount a successful attack.

Sprints and ‘Lead-out Trains’ Some teams are purely built around their sprinters with Mark Cavendish’s Team Dimension Data being the prime example. In the run up to the finish or an intermediate sprint, a lead-out train will often be created as a team guides their sprinter through the front of the pack where he can break out from behind his final lead-out man, slipstreaming him to conserve his energy before a sprint. www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 7

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire

STAGE 1

Stage length: 173km King of the Mountain Climbs: Garrowby Hill, Goathland and Robin Hood’s Bay Sprints: Pocklington and Whitby Abbey Total ascent: 1,940m

Continuing the legacy of the 2014 Tour de France, the third edition of the Tour de Yorkshire encompasses all four corners of the county, as well as taking in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Fountains Abbey and Saltaire.

Packing in more thigh-numbing climbs, wide-open moorland and even cobbles than the previous two years, the route could be the most brutal yet, with courses characterised by heavy roads and short, steep climbs - a real sting in the tail of what promises to be an enthralling three days of racing.

Fountains Abbey

Robin Hood’s Bay

10 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

North Yorkshire Moors

TIMINGS

Bridlington to Scarborough

he opening stage of the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire once again returns to Bridlington, with the peloton departing from outside Bridlington Spa. Spectators can expect a slow start as the riders meander through the scenic villages of East Yorkshire, visiting the historic Burton Agnes hall on their way to Driffield, in preparation for the first sprint of the day. The market town of Pocklington will provide the location for the first intermediate sprint of the weekend and will be a hotspot for fans who want to see some of the world’s best sprinters battle it out for the coveted green jersey.

For a great vantage point of East Yorkshire and a chance to see the rider’s tough-it-out on one of the gruelling classified hill climbs, Garrowby Hill provides one of the best viewing points. Offering a chance to view the

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towards the market town of Malton, and as legs begin to tire at the end of the first stage the peloton heads back towards Whitby, providing the backdrop for some of the most spectacular images of the day.

A sprint will commence outside Whitby Abbey before riders race to Robin Hood’s bay for the days final climb. With legs burning and the leader’s jersey up for grabs stage one finishes in Scarborough, as rider’s race to the finish line along the North Bay.

Image courtesy Alex Whitehead / SWPix

Scarborough

peloton up close as Whitby the battle to be crowned King of the Mountains commences.

Spectators will need to arrive early as road closures will be in place.

Stage one will be in full swing as riders rapidly descend from Garrowby Hill, heading

Timings have been calculated by anticipating the peloton’s average speed but are subject to change depending on variables such as wind speed, direction and how aggressively the riders race.

Of course, there is a huge amount of added entertainment planned across the county over the full three days, so be sure to line the route early to see the colourful race caravan and fleet of Yorkshire cycling legends pass through.

The stage of the coast and wolds will begin at 12:35pm outside Bridlington Spa and the first intermediate sprint will be contested in Pocklington at 13:48pm before the peloton tackle the Côte de Garrowby Hill at 14:06pm.

The next categorised climb comes on the Côte de Goathland at 15:42pm, and the race reaches the coastline again at Whitby for the second intermediate sprint point outside Whitby Abbey at 16:03pm.

The Côte de Robin Hood’s Bay must then be ascended at 16:19pm before the now legendary finish along Scarborough’s North Bay at 17:00pm.

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12 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire

STAGE 2 Stage length: 122.5km King of the Mountain Climb: Côte de Lofthouse Sprints: Knaresborough and Ripon Total ascent: 1,638m Viewing hub: Ripon Racecourse

tarting on the newly opened Tadcaster Bridge, Stage Two of the Tour de Yorkshire will be a day for sprinters, with only one classified climb at the mid-point of the stage. Stage Two will also share the same route as the Yorkshire women’s race, run earlier in the day, passing through some of North Yorkshire’s bestloved market towns.

After leaving Tadcaster, the peloton will make its way through Wetherby before heading to Knaresborough for the day’s first intermediate sprint. Riders will then make their way through Ripley, Pateley Bridge and Ramsgill.

The sole categorised climb of the day comes on the newly named Côte de Lofthouse, better known as Trapping Hill.

This could arguably be one of the climbs to

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Knaresborough

14 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

TIMINGS The Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire kicks off an enticing double-header on Saturday with the world’s best female cyclists riding the exact same route as the men do on stage two. They get under way on the newly reopened Tadcaster Bridge at 09:15am and head to Knaresborough where the first intermediate sprint points are up for grabs at 09:53am. The riders continue on into the heart of Nidderdale where the brutish Côte de Lofthouse awaits them at 10:51am. Any contenders that fall behind there will be looking to get themselves back into the mix for the second sprint in Ripon at 11:38am and the pace is then unlikely to relent from then on until a frantic finale in Harrogate at 12:27pm.

The men meanwhile, will roll out of Tadcaster for the Stage of Historic Market Towns at 14:05pm and contest the Knaresborough sprint at 14:40pm.

The Côte de Lofthouse must be overcome at 15:31pm before they reach Ripon for a second sprint at 16:13pm. The action will then culminate with a similarly fast finish in Harrogate at 16:56pm.

Tadcaster to Harrogate

shape the race, as riders’ battle against a savage ascent that will really test the burning legs of the peloton. Snaking its way to a summit that could provide a spring board for a decisive attack as the sprinters fade away.

After a rapid descent into Masham, it’s on to Ripon for the second intermediate sprint of the day, and, as well as having a usual weekend race meeting, Ripon Racecourse will also offer a dedicated screening. Gates open

at 11.30am for those wanting to catch all of the day’s action.

As the penultimate stage reaches its culmination, the race will skirt around the stunning Fountains Abbey before a rapid approach to Harrogate, the location for the final sprint finish. The day’s action will reach its crescendo amongst a huge crowd as riders’ race along Parliament Street, just as they did in the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France.

ON ROUTE Knaresborough With a striking viaduct built across the beautiful waters of the river Nidd, Knaresborough is perhaps one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful market towns – built into the river bank and topped with its very own castle.

Whether you want to boat on the river or meander through the town’s shops and eateries, there are a number of ways to pass the time before the arriving caravan and peloton.

Image courtesy Alex Whitehead / SWPix

Ripon The medieval city of Ripon will be buzzing with a range of activities throughout the day, focused on the market square. With local traders and community organisations holding a community fair and local cafes and shops joining in the celebrations.

Masham Located in the stunning region of Lower Wensleydale, Masham is gearing up for the cycling festivities.

Aside from the Black Sheep Brewery for the real ale lovers, Masham provides the perfect location for an afternoon ramble into the Yorkshire Dales, once the peloton has passed through.

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire

STAGE 3

Stage length: 194.5km King of the Mountain Climbs: Silsden, Haworth, Leeming, Shibden Wall, Deepcar, Wigtwizzle, Ewden Height and Midhopestones Sprints: Brighouse and Stocksbridge Total ascent: 3,517m

tage Three is undoubtedly a day for climbers, with eight climbs marking the toughest stage in the history of the Tour de Yorkshire. Aptly named ‘The Yorkshire Terrier’, Stage Three will briefly join the 2014 Tour de France route as riders pass through Burley-in-Wharfedale, before heading to the iconic Bolton Abbey in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Riders will roll out of City Park in Bradford as part of a procession that will also pass through the World Heritage Site of Saltaire, taking in Salts Mill before the flag is lowered and the final stage of racing officially commences.

The peloton will move towards Skipton for the first of eight categorised climbs being contested on the Côte de Silsden, quickly followed by a second climb, up through the centre of Haworth – a fantastic location for

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Bradford

18 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

TIMINGS The decisive stage of this year’s race exits Bradford’s City Park at 12:10pm and takes a scenic trip to the Dales before heading back along the Aire Valley for the first of eight climbs on the Côte de Silsden at 14:04pm.

The Côtes de Haworth and Leeming then follow in quick succession at 14:22pm and 14:32pm respectively before the peloton reaches the Côte de Shibden Wall. This cobbled beast will be crested at 14:54pm before an intermediate sprint takes place in Clifton at 15:09pm. There’s no respite as the race passes into South Yorkshire, and the final sprint points are up for grabs in Stocksbridge at 16:47pm before the weary riders tackle a gruelling 22km concluding loop.

The Côte de Deepcar is first up at 16:52pm and the Côtes de Wigtwizzle (16:58pm) and Ewden Height (17:01pm) come one after the other before one last drag up the Côte de Midhopestones at 17:07pm.

Anyone left in contention after that will duke it out for the stage and overall victory in Fox Valley at 17:15pm.

Bradford to Fox Valley

supporters who want to embrace the true spirit of the race – before climbing the mighty Shibden Wall on their way to Halifax.

With gradients of 15 per cent and 20 per cent on this perilous climb, riders will be battling against searing legs, gravity and monstrous cobbles – spectators can expect crashes, breakaways, punctures and sheer exhaustion. Just make sure you turn up early to grab the best spots on the hill.

There’s no let-up for riders on the ‘Yorkshire Terrier’ as the race then traverses from West to South Yorkshire and Sheffield,

heading towards Penistone and Stocksbridge for the second intermediate sprint of the day. Riders will then embark on a 22km finishing circuit that features no less than four gruelling climbs, separating the strong from the weak in a circuit that will surely be the defining moment for the rider who claims the winner’s jersey.

The weekend’s racing will draw to a close at Fox Valley where huge crowds are expected to welcome a peloton of exhausted riders, before the presentation of the jerseys.

Fox Valley

ON ROUTE Saltaire Saltaire is steeped in rich cultural heritage and was a model industrial village, built for the local factory workers. With a range of parks, cafes and independent shops, this World Heritage Site is a great place to base yourselves for the start of the day’s racing.

Haworth Home to the famous Brontë sisters, Haworth is renowned for its famous cobbled streets and vintage charm. With a traditional sweet shop, apothecary, Brontë Parsonage Museum and some great local pubs, it’s not just the racing that will draw in the crowds.

Penistone As the race heads into South Yorkshire it will pass through Penistone, the highest market town in the country, and with the caravan arriving at approximately 3pm, there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area beforehand.

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Image Melanie Ditchfield

SPORTING SUPPORT

With the Tour de Yorkshire on the horizon, people are getting out their bikes and taking to the hills. But whatever form of exercise you choose, finding a comfortable sports bra that meets all your needs is difficult.

Luckily, one Yorkshire business is dedicated to providing the support that all sporty females need. ewly opened Bella Eve Boutique specialises in beautiful and pretty bras ranging from an A to K cup along with swimwear up to the same cup sizes. Also passionate about supporting local businesses the boutique stocks accessories and bespoke ladies wear made by local designers.

Owner Jen Jackson, has an extensive background in Quality Assurance, Compliance & Customer Service and is a self-confessed shopaholic. Jen wanted to open a boutique locally that could provide all ladies with specialist underwear - where the phrase no one size fits all could not be more appropriate here.

“Being a J cup myself I know how hard it is to find bras that not only fit comfortably but are also available in pretty colours,” says Jen. Bella Eve has secured deals with a range of sought-after underwear labels including Curvy Kate, Chantelle and Passionate along with must-have swimwear in a range of colours and patterns.

Jen is focused on practicality too and has searched high and low for the ideal sports

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bra that is both comfortable and fashionable.

The Enell high impact sports bra comes in a wide range of colours, currently stocked in the boutique is black, white and the current fashion colour which at the moment is red and blue, but this changes seasonally. Made from a Lycra spandex blend with a patented design, it eliminates bounce while providing support and comfort.

“I like to stock items that I can personally say I’ve tried and the Enell sports bra is the only sports bra I have found so far that I can comfortably wear to do all my activities, which include horse riding, gym workouts, Pilates and street dancing.”

For those women that lead an active lifestyle like Jen, the Enell sports bra is a wardrobe staple.

Bella Eve also offers a free personal measuring service and with Jen being trained to fit bra’s by eye, it’s clear you are in good hands.

“I offer a very personal service and always make sure that customers leave knowing their correct size and, if they see something they like but I don’t have their size in stock I

am more than happy to order it in.”

It’s not only bras that Bella Eve stocks, they also have a range of ladies wear supplied from local designers including; House of Blonde, Katie Newsam Fashion and Curious Em. Bella Eve offers a bra loyalty card system so you can gain points to earn treats. Like and follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with their new season stock and all the important offers and competitions.

So for something special and unique, visit Bella Eve Boutique today.

Bella Eve is open during the Tour de Yorkshire weekend, Saturday 9.30am to 2pm and Sunday all day.

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire Words RACHEL MARTIN

2017 Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride Thousands of amateur cyclists will experience the challenge of riding the same route as the pros.

DISTANCES

CIRCUIT ONE

Long route: 100km Medium route: 75km Short route: 45km Cycletta (women only): 45km

The 100km route starts with a tough early climb up the locally renowned Pea Royd Lane, before joining the pro route for a section on Hunshelf Hall Lane. After another climb away from Millhouse Green it’s a long descent into Holmfirth. Riders will then head towards Meltham, requiring them to conquer the hill at Netherthong, before heading through an undulating section featuring the villages of Honley and Farnley Tyas.

During the next part of the route riders will take on another tough uphill section, this time leading to the Emley Moor transmitting station, whose tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the UK. Other highlights include a descent to the Yorkshire

The exact distance for the 100km is 101km and routes may be subject to change. Any rider taking part in the long route will be required to maintain an average speed of 15kph. This ride takes in 1,947m of climbing and requires riders to have a very good level of fitness to maintain the necessary average speed.

aking place on the third and final day of the Tour de Yorkshire (30 April), The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride is your chance to ride many of the same roads as the pros before they do. Including the pro finish line – complete with support from the waiting crowds – just a few hours before the third edition of the Tour de Yorkshire reaches its gripping conclusion.

This year, riders can choose from three challenging routes of 45km, 75km or 100km,

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ROUTE NOTES

starting at Fox Valley shopping centre near Sheffield.

The 100km option is undoubtedly the highlight and organisers say it’s the “toughest” in the event’s short history.

Featuring 1,974 metres of climbing and a number of testing ascents and descents through stunning landscapes.

“One of the great and truly unique things about cycling is that you can ride the same roads as the world’s best riders, and what better way to do so than with top-class

Sculpture Park, passing the spectacular Cannon Hall before visiting Silkstone and Silkstone Common.

Riders then take on the same roads as the professionals again as they go through Wortley and into Deepcar, before they face an epic climb from Ewden Village, which is sure to test even the strongest of riders. After a section through Wigtwizzle the route follows the last notable climb up to Bolsterstone, before the triumphant descent to the finish at Fox Valley.

Shortly after the amateur riders finish, the final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire pro race will also conclude at Fox Valley, allowing participants and their supporters to stay and watch the exciting finale first hand.

Emley Moor transmitting station

CIRCUIT TWO

support and thousands of other cyclists joining you along the way,” says Sir Gary Verity, chief executive at Welcome to Yorkshire.

“The routes have been designed to cater for riders of all abilities, and finishing on the same line as the pros will be an amazing experience.”

Nick Rusling, CEO of sportive organisers Human Race, said: “The previous two editions of the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride have been hugely enjoyable, and

CIRCUIT THREE

everything is pointing towards this being the biggest, toughest and most rewarding year yet.

“The routes that have been created are scintillating, and Fox Valley is a wonderful home to host our riders.”

Full details of the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride can be found at www.letouryorkshire.com

www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 23

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DON’T LET KNEE PAIN RUIN YOUR CYCLING s the days lengthen and the temperature starts to rise the roads are starting to see increasing numbers of cyclists beginning to get fit again. Exercise, and especially cycling are great for our physical health but also is a great way to reduce the stresses of everyday living. At Hallamshire Physiotherapy clinic we see a number of cyclists struggling to return to full activity due to knee pain.

The most common form of knee pain is over the knee cap (retropatellar) and is usually caused by increasing mileage too rapidly or attempting unusual hill climbs early on in the season. The kneecap sits within the quadriceps muscle and repeated loading of the knee compresses the kneecap on the back of the femur which overtime can cause discomfort. The solution to this problem is to reduce activity levels and to stretch the quadriceps muscle. If the problem persists other factors need to be considered such as bike setup and the cycling action. For example, if you sit a long way back on the saddle it is hard to use the powerful hip muscles to generate force on the pedals. This causes the cyclist to over recruit the quadriceps muscles and pain can result.

A

Generally, the body likes variety and sometimes cycling can cause repeated stresses due to holding one position for a long time. This is often why cyclists experience less pain whilst mountain biking then on their road bike as the greater movement on bridal ways gives more variety. Another factor to consider is what you do during the day. Pain is experienced cycling but sitting long hours in an office is often the main risk factor.

In summary, don't increase mileage too rapidly, stretch tight quadriceps and keep moving if you are in a sedentary job. If this doesn't improve your symptoms make an

appointment to see one of our physiotherapists who specialise in cycling problems and get expert advice.

Steve Hodgson PhD, Director Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic Tel: 0114 267 1223 Email: info@hallamshirephysiotherapy.com www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com

www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 25

Tour de

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Yorkshire

A GRAND WELCOME Flash back to how north Sheffield welcomed the Tour de France Grand Depart to the region.

s the Tour de Yorkshire finishes this year at Fox Valley, neighbouring communities are gearing up to welcome Yorkshire’s biggest bike race with famous South Yorkshire hospitality.

This year’s route through South Yorkshire sees the riders passing through scenic villages surrounding Fox Valley including Penistone, Wortley, Bolsterstone, Millhouse Green, Thurlstone, Wigtwizzle and Midhopestones, before two climactic sprints through Stocksbridge’s Manchester Road ahead of a Fox Valley finish.

The market town of Penistone is set to host a huge range of activities and celebrations. They have already begun to dress the town with bunting, plant displays and painted bikes to match the tour colours of yellow and blue ahead of the event.

Throughout the town on the 30 April, there will be a fantastic line up of entertainment from bands and choirs, to a

A

great variety of food offerings including street food stalls. There are lots of games and activities planned to keep the kids entertained all day including carousel rides.

The town’s Market Barn will be transformed into a bar for the occasion, with entertainment from local bands and even a hog roast.

Penistone Town Council has been working closely with the local schools and businesses, and town centre shops have gone head to head in a window dressing competition. Each of the local schools has adopted a cycling team participating in this year’s race and they have based lessons and competitions around their chosen team.

Local radio station, Penistone FM will broadcast live from various points on the route, as well as the finish line at Fox Valley.

Wortley

Penistone

26 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

The historic village of Wortley has been busy holding arts and crafts events in the village hall, creating banners to be

suspended from St Leonard’s church on the run up to the race final.

The Wortley Arms pub will be open early doors to welcome visitors for food and drink throughout the day.

Bolsterstone

The residents of Bolsterstone village – which is just one kilometre up the road from the finishing line - have organised a weekend-long community event taking place over the 29 and 30 April.

Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir and Deepcar Brass Band will perform as part of a Saturday night warm-up the evening before the race final (Saturday 29 April) and they will also be entertaining the crowds on the final day of the race, as riders pass through their village.

The village will see an array of entertainment from face painting to maypole dancing performances. Cream Teas and refreshments will be served in the Village Hall and the Castle Inn Pub will be

Enthusiastic crowds prepare to greet the Tour de France in 2014

open from early serving food and drink all day. They have commissioned a graffiti artist to decorate the pub in celebration of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The town is set to be dressed in bunting and banners and local residents will decorate their gardens to welcome those taking part in both the professional race and amateur Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Rides.

Manchester Road in Stocksbridge will see an exciting climactic finish to the day with two sprints riding past, including the final sprint of the race before ascending to the finish line at Fox Valley.

Local Junior and Infant schools have been busy designing flags which will be used to welcome the riders through the final sprint of the race.

Blue, yellow and white bunting and banners are dressed along the high street to tie in with the neighbouring Fox Valley shopping centre and the Valley in Bloom organisation has supplied hanging baskets and planters of the same colours.

Entertainment from local talent will be showcased throughout the day.

The team at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre are gearing up for their “Push Iron” festival event the day before the race final (Saturday 29 April) in partnership with Full Gas Bikes cycling store from Fox Valley.

Guests can enjoy street food, live bands and Bradfield Brewery’s “Push Iron” celebratory ale whilst watching day two of

Midhopestones

the race on a large screen. There is even a ride out to cycle part of the notorious Tour de Yorkshire route. Tickets are available online at www.pushironfestival.co.uk.

A host of local businesses in Stocksbridge are preparing to welcome spectators on the day of the race and provide food and ale including the Bracken Moor Club, the Friendship pub and Stocksbridge Cricket Club.

Just a short distance away, Greenhead House Farm in Oughtibridge is preparing to welcome campers on their land to provide an overnight stay facility for spectators visiting from outside the region. There will be hot food and drink available to purchase including hot roast pork sandwiches.

Camping tickets are available at www.greenheadhousefarm.co.uk/ tourdeyorkshirecamping.

Stocksbridge Cricket Club is also providing camping facilities closer to the route between 7pm on Saturday 29 April and 11am

on Monday 1 May. For information on tariffs and to book your stay, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tour-deyorkshire-camping-stocksbridge-cctickets-33174358399.

There will be various events taking place at Fox Valley including a street food market and entertainment from the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band. Be sure not to miss various land art displayed along the route and floral displays in Midhopestones.

Day three of the Tour de Yorkshire comes to South Yorkshire on the 30 April 2017. For race timings, visit www.letour.yorkshire.com/timings and plan ahead to make sure you find the best spot to watch the race.

Approximate Climb Times Côte de Deepcar 4.40pm–5.05pm Côte de Wigtwizzle 4.45pm–5.12pm Côte de Ewden Height 4.49pm–5.12pm Côte de Midhopestones 4.55pm–4.22pm Finish at Fox Valley, Stocksbridge 5.02pm–5.29pm

For the latest news and information, visit www.letour.yorkshire.com For more on events happening at Fox Valley, visit www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk

www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 27

YORKSHIRE’S BIGGEST BIKE RACE INSPIRES SHEFFIELD BREWERY

FINALE @ FOX VALLEY

Yorkshire’s newest retail destination – Fox Valley in Stocksbridge – will be in the spotlight on 30 April when Yorkshire’s biggest bike race finishes at the centre. t was almost two years ago, when the centre was still a building site, that the idea to bring the annual sporting event to Fox Valley was thought of.

Managing director of Dransfield Properties, which owns and manages Fox Valley, Mark Dransfield, was keen to see north Sheffield feature in the race to showcase the area to a wider audience.

When the opportunity to be a host location for the third edition of the race arose, Mark and the Fox Valley team were delighted to take up the challenge.

Mark said: “We hosted a company event during the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014 in High Bradfield and were amazed by the turnout and passion local people have for cycling.

“The Tour de Yorkshire is a legacy event of the Tour de France and it’s fantastic that the area will once again be in the spotlight.

“We knew, of course, we were a host location, but when the route was confirmed at a press conference in Bradford in December, it was fantastic to find out that Fox Valley would be the finish line.”

Since the announcement, the Fox Valley team have been working with local stakeholders and groups across Barnsley and north Sheffield to make the Fox Valley finish a memorable day.

The region has been transformed into a sea of yellow and blue with land art and school artwork projects taking place across the area.

Mark added: “We were keen from the outset to involve everyone, to encourage

I

28 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

them to work together and create something really special. This is a beautiful area and everyone is proud of our stunning scenery, as well as the industrial heritage of the area and this is a great opportunity to showcase all that.”

Mark is also a keen cyclist and heads up a charity bike ride team which covers a leg of a European Tour every year. This year, they’re gearing up to cycle from Copenhagen to Oslo and they’re joining thousands of other amateur cyclists by taking part in the Maserati Tour De Yorkshire Bike Ride to kick start their training.

For more information about Dransfield Properties and the company’s annual charity cycle ride, visit www.dransfield.co.uk

North Sheffield’s Bradfield Brewery has unveiled a special beer in celebration of the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race which will finish at Fox Valley.

The team have come up with the bike-themed tipple called Farmers Push Iron in the build up to the big event.

The family-run brewery is based on a working farm in Bradfield, just a few minutes from the final day route.

Thousands of amateur cyclists will also take part in in the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride, which will start and finish at Fox Valley on the final day of the three-day race.

John Gill from Bradfield Brewery said: “The Tour de Yorkshire coming to our corner of the county really is something special to celebrate and we’ll definitely be raising a glass of Farmers Push Iron to the cyclists as they take on our beautiful part of South Yorkshire and tackle some of Sheffield’s notorious seven hills.

“It was fantastic to have the Tour de France Grande Départ here in 2014, so to have this level of cycling event back in the area is fantastic for the region.”

Push Iron will be available at pubs along the route of the Tour de Yorkshire, as well as in bottles and mini kegs at the Brewery shop in Bradfield.

Sir Gary Verity and Christian Prudhomme, Race Director of The Tour de France, announce the route of the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire

32 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

TONY GIBB

Font of all [cycling] knowledge, ex-professional cyclist and managing director of Full Gas Bikes at Fox Valley shares his words of wisdom…

Words RACHEL MARTIN he thing with Yorkshire is, it’s almost like it’s its own little country because you never hear someone from Surrey talking about their county the way people from Yorkshire do. They’ll be a referendum soon about Yorkshire getting independence from the UK!” With people feeling so patriotic about their county, it’s no wonder we’ve all embraced Tour de Yorkshire. Even those who don’t care for cycling are proudly getting involved.

We’d come to Full Gas Bikes at Fox Valley retail centre – the location of the final stage finish line – to talk to Tony Gibb, managing director of the cycle superstore, former twotime UK No. 1 Rider, 14 times National Champion and a commentator and presenter for Eurosport, to find out more about the race, the events surrounding it and the world of cycling.

It came as a surprise to organisers and locals alike when droves of people turned out for Tour de France when it graced Yorkshire in 2014. Now in its third year, the Tour de Yorkshire is back from 28 to 30 April and is bigger than ever.

So why have the people of Yorkshire embraced cycling as much as they have?

“From a performance point of view, before the lottery funding in 1998, when I raced for British Cycling – the national governing body - you’d go to a race, you’d get one kit and get told to look after it as you’d need it for the next race,” says Tony.

“Whereas now, you actually get inducted onto the national squad for a set period of time. You get a bag of kit, a bike and everything else, so it’s more as though you belong to something now.

“Before, it was kind of like a poor man’s England football team. You’d play for Manchester United, go play for England for a couple of days, and then you’d go back to Man United.

“It’s taken a long time to get established, but it has now. And Yorkshire’s always been strong for cycling and for cyclists – given the countryside, given the terrain. The Tour de France was the catalyst for it and now Tour de Yorkshire has just blown it away.”

Though Tony’s 15-year racing career is behind him, he’s well acquainted with many active professional cyclists. And for those spectators who are not sure who to back, Tony has a few suggestions.

“I talk to guys from the continent who are still racing and everyone wants to do this race. We’ve got a slight leaning toward

T

Adam Blythe from Aqua Blue (see page 37 for our interview). I’ve been involved with the team and Adam’s a good friend.

“There’s also Scott Thwaites from Dimension Data – that’s also the team Mark Cavendish rides for, but I very much doubt Cav will come because it’s a hilly race but we’ll see… and then Steve Cummings rides for that team as well, so there’s a lot of interest. Then you have Team Sky, and I know them very well.”

Another question plaguing spectators is, where is the best place to watch all the action? Tony will have his hands full at the Fox Valley finish line on the day of Stage 3, but he knows where he would go.

“I’d go to one of the finish climbs such as Deliverance [Côte de Ewden Height].

Deliverance is a climb that comes back up from Bradfield and up into Midhopestones.

That’s a really good one. There’s a hairpin bend halfway up it, so there is one of the best places to watch it.”

And if you’d rather be partying at the finish line, there’s lots of other events happening in Fox Valley.

“The day of the final stage is going to be manic, but for Full Gas Bikes, it’s the three or four days before hand that we will have all sorts going on. The Friday night party is going to be the big one for us.

“We’ve got something called Rollerpalooza, which is racing on static bikes in a disco kind of thing. It’s really short racing, so you all do a ride, it qualifies you, then we do fastest against slowest and you get through to the final.”

Tony Gibb: perfectly balanced

Full Gas Bikes have also recently been awarded a grant to install a Yorkshire Bank Bike Library, which will allow people to donate unused bicycles and borrow bikes for free.

“Basically, it’s a really nice refurbed shipping container, which is going to be sat just outside in the car park. It looks really good and the idea behind it is that it gives bikes to people who wouldn’t usually have access to them.

“Sheffield is so diverse in terms of the wealth and the jobs around and for us, Stocksbridge was decimated when the majority of the steel industry left. This means we can take bikes from people and part exchange, refurb and put them in the library and someone else will get use out of them.

“Our suppliers have been really good at giving us added discounts to refurb these bikes so that’s nice of them too.”

And if you are one of the many budding cyclists wanting to ride some of the final stage route ahead of the pros, The Sportive - Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride – is for you. Taking place on Sunday 30 April, riders can choose from one of three length routes (45km, 75km or 100km) that start and finish at Fox Valley.

What parting words of wisdom does Tony have for them?

“Warm up! [Laughs] I mean people from all over the country - dare I say - all over the world will be coming to do this and if they go straight out of here and up Pea Royd Lane without having checked it out or having done a warm up, they’re going to have problems.

“So I would get here early and do a practice ride before. It’s a hard, hard climb!

It’s actually a lot shorter than a lot of other Sportives, but you’re either climbing up some great big wall or you’re descending.

“And that’s why it’s so much shorter because for much of that day you’re going to be climbing. So for The Sportive, the challenging bit will be how much climbing you’ll have to do.”

We’re sure you’ll join us in wishing all of this years’ pro and amateur riders the best of luck.

To find out more about your nearest Yorkshire Bank Bike Library, visit www.libraries.yorkshire.com and to find out more about Full Gas Bikes, their brands and the services they offer, including bespoke bikes, visit www.fullgasbikes.co.uk www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 33

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Images courtesy Simon Wilkinson / SWPix

Yorkshire

36 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

Words RACHEL MARTIN

LIFE CYCLE

Local Professional Cyclist Adam Blythe discusses the Tour de Yorkshire and racing on local roads he’s very familiar with.

hen the Tour de Yorkshire passes through the region on 28 - 30 April, the route will be a familiar sight for many local folk. But for one Yorkshireman in particular, the lush valleys and stunning peaks hold even greater significance.

28-year-old professional cyclist and British National Road Champion Adam Blythe, who grew up in Dinnington and now rides for Irish pro-continental team Aqua Blue Sport, was riding parts of the route long before it turned blue and yellow.

“It’s going to be special returning to Yorkshire as British National Champion and riding across the finishing line so close to my hometown.” Says Adam, who took time out of his gruelling race schedule to catch up with us. “I think the crowds at the finish will be unreal this year. I saw first-hand how big the crowds were at the Tour de France and they just keep getting bigger and bigger. It’s going to be mental but in the best way possible.”

It is the sheer volume of people who flocked to Yorkshire for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France that inspires Adam, and many other riders, to take part in the Tour de Yorkshire year after year.

“People from far and wide will come to watch, but the size of the cycling community across Yorkshire is huge. 70 percent of spectators will come out dressed

W

in cycling gear and on bikes and that just goes to show how passionate Yorkshire is about cycling. No other race attracts a crowd quite like this one and so growing up part of that, and now being able to compete in the race people are coming out to watch, is pretty special.”

Adam has been interested in cycling since an early age and was part of the

Adam leading the field during the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championships

British Cycling set-up as a younger rider.

“It all started for me when I was about five years old. I joined a local cycling club and met a few friends who I still race with now, like professional track and road racing cyclist Ben Swift, and it progressed from there. I was in the academy for a little bit but I didn’t really enjoy it. I wanted to go my own way.

“I spent the majority of my childhood cycling and used to test my ability by racing up locally renowned Pea Royd Lane (part of stage three). So I already know how hard the final stage is going to be, which is an advantage.”

Adam has continued the hard work throughout his professional career, including riding for Tinkoff-Saxo and OricaGreenEdge and working his way up to national champion. So when Aqua Blue Sport were looking to further bolster their squad in 2016, Adam couldn’t resist the pull.

“While riding for Tinkoff-Saxo I had the pleasure of working with Peter Sagan, which was an unreal experience - both personally and professional. He’s one heck of a character and working with him was pretty special, him being world champion and all.

“Now that Tinkoff-Saxo has closed, signing with Aqua Blue Sport has offered me a great opportunity to get the most out of myself in 2017. I have my own chances at www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 37

Image Simon Wilkinson / SWPix Left and previous page top: Adam wins from Mark Cavendish at the British Cycling National Road Championships in 2016 Below: Adam (centre) on the podium with Mark Cavendish (left) and Andrew Fenn (right)

winning races and I am really looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Despite it being the biggest race in Yorkshire, Adam insists the nerves haven’t yet got to him and that the preparation is the same as for any other event.

“I’m racing a lot at the moment and we’ve still got a little bit of time ahead of the tour to fine tune things, so right now I’m just looking forward to the route and getting back to Yorkshire to race.

“The nerves haven’t set in just yet, but there are a number of gruelling climbs in the final stage that I definitely need to prepare for.

“The whole weekend will be pretty brutal, it’s made up of two very hard days and one intermediate day, but you can never rule out a hard day on that day. None of it is meant to be easy. I went to have a look at the first stage recently and it’s pretty ruthless, so I think the race itself is going to be as hard, if not harder, than it has been the last couple of years, especially on the last day.

“Tour de Yorkshire comes just after the Belgian Ardennes too, so it’s going to suit riders coming out of that race. Which will make it really hard match them in the final stage.

“For me personally, it’s all about making sure I’m in a good enough position to get a 38 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

decent result and enjoy it for what it is.

When you’re not in a top condition riding around Yorkshire, or any other race for that matter, you’re in trouble. And you don’t want to suffer.”

Such a demanding race schedule means Adam cherishes what little time he spends at home, and, away from cycling, the free time he does get he devotes to his family and friends.

“At the moment my partner is pregnant, so my free time is going to change quite drastically in the near future. I spend a lot of my spare time at home currently, helping out with housework and baby preparations, and with my friends and family. I like to make the most of being at home while I can.”

As the world’s attention turns to the rolling hills Adam used to call home, he’s also busy preparing for the remainder of the race season, and his advice to anyone taking part in this year’s Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride: “Go out and enjoy it. There

will be enough people out there so give it your best shot and go as fast as you can, without killing yourself - obviously.

“After the Tour de Yorkshire I have a race in Dunkirk, then the Tour of Belgium and after that I have the Tour de Suisse, which is just before the Tour de France. Sadly, the team is not taking part in the Tour de France this year, but if I get a good result at the Tour de Yorkshire that should keep me on track.”

And who knows, if Adam continues to prove himself, he may well end the season with a Tour de Yorkshire victory, among others, under his belt.

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire Words HANNAH SANDERS

LOOKING BACK How Yorkshire fell in love with the Tour de France, paving the way for the Tour de Yorkshire.

Crowds start to gather on Jenkin Road

Image @eightygreen

40 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

3,664km journey in Leeds on 5 July and locals were all ready for them. With yellow bikes dotted around the city centre, an outdoor cinema tour and a whole host of other events, the streets were buzzing with excitement.

Image @rupertbearcavapoo

Looking for the riders

Image @donnellymccleland

ven though three years have passed since the Tour de France came to Yorkshire the county’s love of cycling has continued and we will soon be lining the streets to watch the third edition of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The Tour de France has been going for 114 years, with each year drawing more spectators to the event from all over the world and, in 2014 Yorkshire won the bid to stage the opening, painting the county yellow.

Yorkshire fell in love with life on two wheels as 2.5million spectators lined the roadside to show their support for competitors.

The peloton arrived for the first leg of the

E

6 July, was the day when the band of riders made their way through York to the Steel City. The 201km feat was one the most difficult, as the last section into Sheffield was narrow and very hilly - as most of the locals know. The riders faced some of the most challenging climbs of the tour including Oughtibridge which was 1.7km at 95 per cent incline along with the steep Jenkin Road - 800m at 10 per cent inclinenear the end.

It wasn’t all about the climb though, as the riders had a few decent descents via Woodhead reservoir and through Midhopestones, where they could take in some of Yorkshire’s breath-taking scenery.

As the riders came full steam ahead into Sheffield on the A61, thousands of spectators were geared up and ready to greet them with colourful crowds chanting and applauding, giving them a memorable welcome.

Image @brownestempbar

A sign of encouragement on Jenkin Road

Image @lyttlebug

Image @rachelr_87

Sheffield got into the spirit of things by putting on a range of events over the weekend. Kick starting with a charity sport ride along with the Bradfield Brewery Beer Festival which continued into Sunday. There were short films including from trike to bike

and lots of live music from Scanning Horizons, Bad Cardigan, The Fevers and The Monday club amongst many others.

The children didn’t get missed out either as there were workshop tents, where they could get messy with body paint and special effects, a creative vegetable workshop and even Mimi O’Malley’s singing workshop to keep them entertained.

Even Sheffield University marked the event with a giant cycle image, dubbed the Krebs cycle and hosts of other businesses and locals dressed their shops up with yellow bikes, posters, covered their streets in banners, artwork and some even painted exteriors yellow to show their support.

The Tour de France proved even more popular than expected and was something new and exciting for the city.

It left a lasting legacy in Yorkshire and breathed a new lease of life into the

sport.

There was a rise in the number of people trying the sport for leisure as well as the amount of local cycling clubs. Cycle projects started and businesses grew including Cycles in Motion and roll-out-a bike loan and hundreds of cyclists still take on the Tour de France route today.

It was this groundswell of enthusiasm that led to the county having its own annual cycling event and the Tour de Yorkshire was born.

The first year revisited some locations from the Tour de France and covered Bridlington to Leeds and, in 2016 the race went from Settle to Beverley. This year riders will be starting at Bridlington and the final stage will end at the newly developed Fox Valley. What’s special about this year is that the race is encompassing all four corners of the county, taking in two of Yorkshire’s World Heritage sites. www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 41

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Superior Cleaning and Restoration of Carpets and Upholstery Carpet Fitting Service ‘Treating your home with the ultimate respect’ Formerly with Franklins of Sheffield who have now closed after 130 years of trading, Tim Mycroft, himself with over 30 years experience, is pleased to announce his taking over the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire areas of the business.

Based in Sheffield, Tim is looking forward to working with valued customers of many years and having the opportunity to create cleaner, brighter, fresher carpets and upholstery throughout the homes of new clients.

Tim also has many years experience in the fitting of carpets and flooring.

If you would like more information about the services available please feel free to call and discuss your individual needs.

01142 818334 07920 473 973 42 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

www.moonlight-textiles.co.uk

“We don’t intend moving again for some time now we love our new home. But if we did we would call on their services again. Thanks for making the dream of our new home happen.“

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Thank you for making it so simple and stress free.“

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Tour de

2017

Yorkshire Words PHOEBE SEYMOUR

TOP GEAR

Cruising along the picturesque north Yorkshire coast in a Maserati Quattroporte on a beautiful sunny day, I couldn’t believe my luck. This is the kind of scene most of us can only dream of. Or is it?

iven that Maserati’s slogan is “Transport in luxury and style”, and the fact you rarely see these unique pieces of Italian artistry with their iconic trident emblems on the road, many people assume the car brand is miles out of their price range.

But according to Peter Denton, general manager at Maserati North Europe, you don’t have to be a high-roller to be able to afford one of their luxury cars.

“They aren’t as expensive as people expect,” he explains. “The Quattroporte starts at £82,045, whilst our new SUV, the Levante, retails from £54,335. However, there are a whole range of features as part of the sport and luxury packs you can add to tailor the car to you.

“The Quattroporte is an uncompromising and distinctive blend of sportiness and luxury, whilst the Levante offers the same features with the added bonus of AWD to assist with off-road driving.

“Like the Mediterranean wind it was named after, the Levante was engineered to master any situation effortlessly.”

So when I was offered the once-in-alifetime opportunity to test drive two of the latest models while staying at the stylish Middleton Lodge, an old coach house turned hotel near Richmond, how could I resist?

Maserati is the sponsor of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire amateur bike ride, so it seemed

G

44 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

all the more appropriate to take these fine cars for a spin.

My first drive of the day was the Levante.

Seeing it lined up with a Ghibli and a Quattroporte, bearing their huge teeth-like grilles, they reminded me of a pack of wild beasts – beautiful yet fierce.

Thankfully I had Ross Kaiser, a professional racing driver and Maserati instructor, by my side to show me the ropes – or rather, the buttons. Once I’d adjusted the positioning of the seat and wheel, it was time to hit the road.

Everything about the Levante exuded indulgence and comfort, from the enveloping leather seats, to the smooth handling and easy-to-use functions on a touch screen panel.

I was told that the Levante’s suspension performs like that of a sporting GT, providing a class-leading driving experience and I certainly noticed the difference when I shifted into sport mode.

As soon as I had reached the A1 and pressed the sport mode button, the car gave a satisfying roar and an image on my dashboard appeared to signal that the suspension had adjusted, to make it more streamline and therefore handle higher speeds. The handling felt a little firmer and gave me a greater feeling of being in control.

Driving a Maserati is all about enjoying

the ride too and with cruise control you can do just that. Just set the maximum speed and the distance you’d like to keep between the car in front and it’ll do the rest. All Maseratis are automatics, but if you’d like that extra bit of control, the Levante has eight gears that can be changed with two handy panels on either side of the wheel.

Turning up a country road and over the Yorkshire dales, it was time to see what this SUV could really do. I went up the first steep hill climb in fourth gear, which it conquered with ease. Though quite a big car, it even handled narrow bridges and winding country roads just fine.

However, it’s when the Levante has a chance to pick up speed that it can really live up to its name, whizzing up and over hill after hill. And as we reached the snowy tops

Top: The Maserati Quattroporte effortlessly cruising along Yorkshire roads Below: Phoebe Seymour about to take the Maserati Levante off-road Left: The Maserati Levante after a muddy work-out

of the moors, I had a chance to see how it handled icy surfaces and once again, it passed with flying colours.

We then made our way to the historic Duncombe Park to do some off-roading in the grounds. To handle this muddy and rocky terrain, it was time to use the off-road suspension mode to make the car higher.

The Levante has six ride heights – and I was in awe when the carriage rose above its wheels to some 40mm (off-road 2) higher than its default mode.

As part of the Levante’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) settings ensured I had an enjoyable experience with added peace of mind. These settings meant I could set a maximum speed of 5mph down particularly steep declines, and as soon as I wanted to get out of the mode, all I had to do was accelerate.

Thanks to its variety of safety features, the Levante can detect specific situations and react to them. The Levante is the only car in its class equipped with mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear axle.

Fitted as standard, it guarantees the best traction in all driving situations. And having tackled rocky country roads, icy hills and muddy slopes, this car fulfilled all its promises with little fuss.

Of course, on your average day, you are probably more likely to pop to the shops or commute to and from work, which requires its fair share of parallel and bay parking. As I parked up outside the stately home, the Rear View & Surround View Cameras were activated, giving me complete awareness of my surroundings including any pesky blind spots.

After lunch, it was time to take the Quattroporte V6 for a spin. Having come to grips with the typical functions and settings which appear in every Maserati, and being seated in a much slimmer model, I felt much more confident in the Quattroporte.

This time, I drove along the Yorkshire coast towards Whitby. Here, the roads twisted and turned, but were much wider so I could really put my foot down and enjoy the smooth and effortless drive.

The Quattroporte may not be equipped for the tougher terrains I tackled in the Levante, but it is easy to see why this model is labelled the Grand Tourer. Its brilliant handling and spacious interior make it perfect for a day trip.

Back on the A1, I was amazed by the way the Quattroporte picked up speed. Like the Levante, this model gave a satisfying growl as I accelerated in sport mode and promptly overtook the slowing traffic.

Another helpful feature of the Quattroporte is the tiny orange arrows on the wing mirrors that flash to let you know a car is coming up in the other lane. This model also has an eight-speed gear box, but with the satisfaction and ease in which I climbed the speedometer, why would I have wanted to use them?

If you are looking for an SUV that exudes both style and substance, look no further than the Maserati Levante. With its light aluminium frame and flexible four modes and six ride heights, it can tackle any situation with plenty of room in the back for the family. With every luxury car brand offering its own version of the SUV, it’s a more than worthy contender.

However, if you are after a car for an enjoyable Sunday drive, either solo or with a partner, the Quattroporte is the better option. Successfully blending luxury and sportiness, it’s a classic example of genuine Italian design. With the same safety and driving functions, but with a more traditional, streamlined body, it was made to be driven fast.

And best of all, neither of these Maserati models are completely beyond your wildest dreams.

Maserati Levante MY17 Exterior Colour: Blu Emozione Interior Colour: Cuoio Price: From £54,335 - £70,275 Engine: 3 litre diesel CO2 emissions (combined): 189g/km

Maserati Quattroporte S MY17 Exterior Colour: Grigio Maratea Interior Colour: Nero / Grigio Price: From £82,045 - £97,045 Engine: 3 litre V6 diesel CO2 emissions (combined): 163g/km

To find out more about the 2017 Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride visit www.letour.yorkshire.com www.rmcmedia.co.uk | 45

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46 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017

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50 | Tour de Yorkshire 2017