Safety warning to race spectators

More than a million people turned out to watch stage one yesterday with huge crowds surrounding the riders as they tackled the climbs over the moors of the Yorkshire Dales.

But a teenage boy had to be airlifted to hospital with serious leg injuries after he fell from the roadside in Ilkley, into the path of a Tour team vehicle that was following behind the race.

There were also reports of some spectators on the climbs getting very close to the leading riders - often while taking selfies on their phones.

Massive crowds are expected again, with 60,000 fans expected to line the famous climb over Holme Moss, near Huddersfield.

Police said the injured boy was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary and is in a stable condition after undergoing surgery.

An investigation is ongoing into to the incident but officers said it appears to have been an “unfortunate accident”.

A spokesman said: “We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, the Police Gold Commander for the Tour de France Yorkshire Grand Depart, said: “Saturday was an amazing day with unbelievable crowds and we are expecting the same again today.

“Safety remains a top priority for the police and everybody involved in organising the event, so please stay off the routes when the caravan and peloton are passing through.

“Your safety matters to us. Let’s make Yorkshire proud again today.”