Skipton’s High Street was declared “full” of spectators just after 11.10am, shortly before the Tour de France “caravan” of sponsor vehicles starting coming through, to the mounting excitement of the crowds.

As the Tour cavalcade headed into the Dales, late arrivals in the centre of Skipton were being directed to the spectator hubs in the town hall car park and in the canal basin.

The crowds were treated to sun and blue skies after a wet and cloudy start to the day.