The inaugural two-day NSPCC Tour of Yorkshire sportive saw the regions love affair with cycling continue just weeks after the Grand Depart.

Battling tough conditions on stage one and tackling the white rose county’s demanding gradients on stage two, the route saw 150 riders take on 180 miles over the weekend.

Following the success of the NSPCC Tour of the South East, the Tour of Yorkshire used a similar formula of ride managers, domestiques, soigneurs and motorbike outriders to provide the keen sportive riders with as close to a pro experience as possible.

Mechanics, masseurs and first aiders were also available over the weekend and on the route, which included many of the same roads used during the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Four fully-supported groups were formed, based on speed, with each containing a ride manager, domestiques leading the groups and team cars packed with spares following behind.

Timed climbs of Hanging Grimston and Boltby Bank, both of which were tackled in the race for the title of King and Queen of the Mountain, were also included.

Ride2Raise director Richard King said: “We’re thrilled with the success of this first NSPCC Tour of Yorkshire.

“The riders were heroes, tackling some tough conditions and even tougher gradients. But the spirit and camaraderie that make group riding so special, plus support from our professional team, meant they could achieve their goals. We can’t wait for next year.”

The weekend also included a Yellow Jersey Dinner, with English Tour de France icon Barry Hoban the guest speaker.

Next year’s NSPCC Tour of England sportives will see both the Tour of the South East and Tour of Yorkshire return on Saturday June 6 to Sunday June 7 and Saturday July 18 to Sunday July 19 respectively.

For more information visit www.tourofengland.co.uk