Tour of Britain stage four sees record finish as Olav Kooij wins four consecutive stages after crossing the line in Newark
History has been made on the streets of Nottinghamshire, came the announcement as a record was set in the Tour of Britain as cyclists crossed the finish line in Newark.
Dutch Jumbo Visma team rider Olav Kooij came in first place to be named stage winner and overall race leader, as he had done in all three previous stages of the prestigious race — to match Edvald Boasson Hagen's feat.
The race started at Edwinstowe and passed through much of the district, including Southwell, before finishing in Newark.
Crowds lined Victoria Street and crowded into Sconce and Devon Park, drummed on the barriers and donned Robin Hood hats to cheer the cyclists on their final sprint to the finish.
Music was blasting across the course, the park was filled with activities for children and adults alike, a barbeque courtesy of the Rumbles Cafe team, and — perfect for the sunny weather — an ice cream van.
Live footage of the race was streamed on big screens, before the riders were close enough to see.
Among the gathered crowds was members of the Amicus Thirteen cycling club, from the Vale of Belvoir.
Member Ian Barker said: “We’ve been to the start line and Southwell, following the race — but we took the easy route.”
Along with fellow cyclist Tom Wallbank, the pair had found a prime spot against the barriers at the finish line.
Also on their bikes were the Witham Wheelers, of Grantham, seven of who had pedalled their way to the finish line.
The group included Mike Ainsworth, Iain Harbour, Ian Astley, Kim Flower and Nick Parkin.
Mike said: “It’s a tradition, we’ve done it every year.
“We rode over to support the cyclists. It is the closest professional cycling race to us, they get the stars out for this one.”
Trevor Lunn, nine-year-old Olivia Lunn and three-year-old Toby Lunn, of Newark, had also come out to watch the finish.
“I’m interested in cycling anyway,” Trevor said.
“It was a great chance to come on my day off.”
All kit out with Tour of Britain flags, they were ready to give a big cheer as the cyclists crossed the line.
Rose Diggles and David Jordan had travelled to Newark from Derby to catch the action.
The stage was the only one they had seen live and they said they were enjoying watching from the roadside.
Coming all the way from Hertfordshire were Nigel and William Smith, who were enjoying William’s last day of the summer holidays.
The cycling fans had previously been to see the Tour de France and were ready to cheer on cyclists in England.
Inside the park, taking part in the games were Newark residents Katrina and Terry Powell, with grandson two-year-old Xander Powell.
The trio were trying their luck on a giant game of connect four.
“We wanted to support [the cyclists] and it is a lovely day out,” said Katrina.
“The Newark community always come together.”
The roadside got steadily more packed as the commentator began counting down the kilometres and it wasn’t long before the leaders thundered over the line, shortly followed by the rest of the field.
Champion Olav Kooij took to the stage not once, but four times as he was named stage winner, race leader, won the Cottages.com points jersey and named Sportive Breaks’ best young rider.
To the crowds delight the cyclist tossed one of his bouquets from the stage, which was caught by one lucky fan.
On his last minute sprint to the podium position, Olav said: “Sometimes you have just got to stay calm and know your time will come.
He added: “It’s nice to see all these people out on the route, its great to get the support from the crowds.
“I am really happy with what we’ve done so far and we’re hoping to keep it up.”
Also on the podium were Team GB’s Ethan Vernon, who was named best British rider by British Cycling for the fourth time, and Bolton Equities Black Smoke rider James Fouché was named Pinarello King of The Mountains.
