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25
Sept
Five years ago this week, Harrogate hosted the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.
The event took place half a decade after the district provided the setting for the start of the even more prestigious Tour de France.
But unlike the 2014 Tour, which was held under warm July skies, the UCIs was greeted by torrential rain. Riding was hazardous, spectating grim.
Different world championships were staged each day from September 22 to 29. The mixed relay on day one was followed by three days of individual time trials and four days of road races. Harrogate provided the finish line each time.
Roads were closed to facilitate the event, which irked businesses before the first cyclists mounted their saddles. Some traders said it was their worst week ever, despite the influx of cyclists and spectators.
The lengthy duration and dire weather did little to lighten the mood. Cyclists struggled to stay on two wheels when it bucketed down and puddles became mini-lakes.
A fan zone on the Stray, which included a DJ set by Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, was turned into a muddy bog. Repair work would cost £130,000.
Any excitement had evaporated long before the final race, and Harrogate Borough Council’s subsequent attempts to paint a gloss finish on the event by claiming it had been a success convinced few.
Years later, the Tour de France is remembered fondly, evoking memories of huge cheering crowds lining the streets, the UCIs’ is recalled far less affectionately.
Rain, mud and damage to the Stray were its immediate aftermath. But perhaps its long-term legacy is that it killed any fledgling ambition for Harrogate to become synonymous with major cycling events.
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