He raced through in a blur of colour, a cacophony of cheers and a sense of real speed.

But local hero Gabz Cullaigh still found time to wave to family and friends lined up on the pavements of New Mill to hail the Tour de Yorkshire.

Gabz, 19, was in the main peloton as it sped through the village this lunchtime, bringing a real carnival atmosphere to the village centre.

And, with true Yorkshire hospitality, the early-morning torrential rain and black clouds gave way to brilliant blue skies and sunshine in time for the race, welcoming riders from across the world.

Follow our liveblog of stage three here.

It was a fabulous spectacle, with crowds lining all roads in and out of New Mill and determined to enjoy what is destined to be an annual event.

People had thought that after the drama and excitement of last year’s Grand Depart for the Tour de France, the Tour de Yorkshire may not generate the same enthusiasm. How wrong they were.

Young and old were delighted to be there at 1.15pm on Sunday, May 3, 2015, to make a little bit of history.

Here are some pictures of the race coming through Holmfirth and New Mill

“It’s brought a real community feel back to the village”, said Gill Howard, who runs the village post office and organised a charity day on behalf of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance outside the shop.

“It’s been a fabulous day, even with the heavy rain we had in the morning.

“It has brought back the community spirit to New Mill, which vanished when the carnival was scrapped, and this should certainly be an annual event”.

Prominent in the crowds lining the streets and greeting the riders with cheers, shrieks and whistles, were Gabz Cullaligh’s family.

His dad John said: “It is absolutely incredible.

“I can’t believe how many people have turned out to see the race and what a reception they gave the riders.

“Gabz was second in the main peloton and was looking strong, but even found time to give us a wave”.

It wouldn’t have been difficult for the local boy.

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Signs saying “Go Gabz” were chalked all along the road leading down from Shepley into New Mill and hand-painted “Go Gabz” placards were handed out by his family.

His girlfriend Grace Garner, 17, joined the crowds after taking part in the women’s race yesterday and finishing a brilliant sixth.

Grace, of Leicester, said: “I spoke to Gabz just before the race today and he was very nervous about riding through his home town.

“But he had done well over the first two stages and was really up for it”.

Grace Garner

Pc Pete Whitehouse was one of the West Yorkshire police officers on duty and had a great time.

He said: “I think the local people have really made a great day out of it.

“They have turned out in big numbers and the atmosphere has been fantastic, really supportive of the riders”.