Crowds gather for Le Tour

Tourmaker David Broughton has dyed his beard blue and yellow for the Tour de Yorkshire

Excited cycling enthusiasts from all over East Yorkshire are being shuttled to the town centre by a special bus organised for the event - despite the bad weather.

Among them are Sue Dewar and John Magee, who have travelled from Hull to witness the momentous occasion.

John said: "It's a great occasion and a spectacle for Beverley to host such an event which doesn't happen very often in the area."

Crowds are beginning to turn out at Tol Gavel

And Sue, who is also from Hull, added: "My son is a keen cyclist so I was eager to come along and watch. We are both really looking forward to it - fingers crossed the weather holds out!"

The Stage One ceremonial start commenced at 11.50am at Saturday Market. From there the peloton makes its way down Toll Gavel and on to Cross Street, Lord Robert Road and Railway Street.

Riders then turn a right on to Trinity Lane, Armstrong Lane, past the Flemingate Shopping Centre and then on to Flemingate.