THE TOUR of Britain arrived in Warrington yesterday, Saturday, for the third leg of the race, as hundreds of residents flocked to the streets to catch a glimpse.
Lorena Wiebes clinched victory of the third leg of the race after a dramatic sprint to the finish line outside the Golden Gates.
Cyclists set off at 11am down Sankey Street, before turning town Parker Street and towards Bank Quay Station.
It was only five minutes into the race, though, when Henrietta McWilliam from the Hess Cycling Team crashed on a kerb.
The cyclists headed out to Macclesfield, before returning through Knutsford and then through the likes of Appleton and Stockton Heath, over the Cantilever Bridge and then through Latchford and Kingsway.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets to watch the race throughout the 106.8km journey, cheering the cyclists on as they passed.
It was a nail-biting finish back in Warrington, as the cyclists descended on Sankey Street once again as Wiebes crossed the finish line just moments before Charlotte Kool and Georgia Baker.
“The team did a really good job today,” said Wiebes to British Cycling shortly after her win.
“Elena [Cecchini] and Chantal [van den Broek-Blaak] were chasing all day so from the team car, the pressure was on.
“We were a bit in the middle and you all really have to fight for your position near the end."
“Christine [Majerus] took the last corner first and then quickly after Barb [Guarischi] had to go for Lotte and then I saw only 200 meters to go, so I also start my sprint," Wiebes continued.
“It’s good to finish it off and the team worked hard for it.
“In 2022, I also had a successful year in the UK, and I’m not sure why – it’s the roads.
“We always go for it when we race and we will go for the fourth stage too tomorrow.”
The Tour of Britain has now made its way to Greater Manchester for the race’s conclusion, where the overall winner will be crowned in Leigh this afternoon.
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