Thousands of cycling enthusiasts and curious onlookers lined the streets of South Yorkshire to witness Stage Three of the Tour of Britain. Starting in Sheffield and winding through the picturesque landscapes of the region, the stage ended in Barnsley, marking another thrilling chapter in the UK’s premier cycling race.
Sheffield to Barnsley: A Scenic and Challenging Route
The stage commenced at 11:00 BST in Sheffield, with riders soon making their way through the rugged terrain of the Peak District. The route then led them through Rotherham and Doncaster, showcasing some of South Yorkshire’s most iconic scenery. The stage concluded in Barnsley, where Welsh cyclist Stephen Williams claimed victory, achieving back-to-back stage wins in this year’s race.
The Tour of Britain, renowned as the UK’s biggest cycling event, spans six days and covers diverse terrain from Kelso in the Scottish Borders to the final finish in Felixstowe, Suffolk. The South Yorkshire stage featured a demanding 7,487 feet (2,282m) of ascents, including the infamous Jawbone Hill on Oughtibridge Lane. This hill, now etched in cycling folklore, became famous during the Tour de France’s 2014 Yorkshire leg and provided a tough test for the riders once again.
Oughtibridge and the Jawbone Hill Challenge
Cycling fans turned out in force in Oughtibridge, a key vantage point for the race. Speaking to the BBC, spectators Adelle and Jaxon Fearne, along with Carole and Lester Miller, expressed their excitement at seeing the riders tackle the steep climbs.
“It’s the first time in my life I’ve seen it,” said Carole Miller. “I only came out to do some shopping, but I’m so glad I’ve been part of it. They were so fast.”
Her husband, Lester, added: “It’s just amazing; it’s the second time it’s been here. It’s just great for Sheffield; everybody comes here to cycle because of the hills. The Jawbone is a killer, and it’s famous now.”
The Jawbone Hill climb, a grueling mile-long ascent with an average gradient of 9%, was the second King of the Mountains climb for the stage, a title that amplifies the challenge of this already notorious section.
A Day of Sprints and Uphill Battles
After the riders conquered Jawbone Hill, they made their way through Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Swinton, and Maltby, leading to an intermediate sprint in Tickhill. The peloton then navigated around Doncaster, passing notable landmarks like Conisbrough Castle and Denaby. The 103-mile (166km) stage finished with an 800-metre uphill sprint along County Way in Barnsley, where the day’s triumphs and struggles culminated.
A Festival of Cycling
The Tour of Britain, organised by British Cycling, continues to capture the imagination of communities across the country. With live coverage broadcast daily on ITV4, cycling fans can stay updated on every twist and turn of the race. As the riders head towards the finale in Felixstowe, the excitement is set to build further, but for the people of South Yorkshire, the Tour has already provided a day to remember.
