Amazing crowds cheer Aviva Women's Tour stars into Chesterfield

Great-spirited spectators cheered the star-studded field of the Aviva Women's Tour over the line in Chesterfield after they had overcome a tough hilly route around Derbyshire.
Pictured is the Mayor of Chesterfield Steve Brunt, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.Pictured is the Mayor of Chesterfield Steve Brunt, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.
Pictured is the Mayor of Chesterfield Steve Brunt, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.

The Aviva Women’s Tour Stage 3 took the riders from Ashbourne to Chesterfield, today, Friday, June 17, and thousands went wild during this fabulous, international sporting spectacle.

British rider Lizzie Armitstead won the stage which raced through Buxton and Matlock and here’s what some of the spectator had to say:

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Steve Russell, of Belper, said: “I came here shopping and I didn’t realise the race was on.

Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.
Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise to be part of this and it’s fantastic for the area. Last year the Tour of Britain came through Belper and it was a great turnout. It’s just great to be part of the atmosphere. It’s fantastic.”

James Thornhill, of Staveley, said: “It’s been a great idea having this race here. It brings the crowds out and I understand they were expecting about 5,000 people here in Chesterfield. It makes people smile.”

Maureen and John Beeston, of Killamarsh, are keen cycling fans who have followed the Tour de France and did not hesitate to come to Chesterfield for the race.

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Maureen said: “We were Tour volunteer helpers at the Tour de France when it came to England and when we realised this race was coming to Chesterfield we’ve been following it on ITV4.

James Thornhill, of Staveley, at The Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.James Thornhill, of Staveley, at The Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.
James Thornhill, of Staveley, at The Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.

“It’s absolutely brilliant for Derbyshire and Chesterfield and apart from it bringing in people and money the coverage will help put the area on the map.”

Mike Brown, of Sheffield, said: “It’s great for this race to be on our doorstep and it puts cycling in the spotlight especially after the Tour of Yorkshire earlier this year.”

Adam Quixall, of Sheffield, said: “It’s great to see women’s cycling events as well as men’s especially when it’s on our home roads.”

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Stephen Broughton, of Ripley, said: “It’s fabulous. I follow quite a lot of the racing and every year I don’t have to go too far to see something like this.

Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.
Pictured is Steve Broughton, of Ripley, at the Aviva Women's Tour, in Chesterfield.

“This is one of the most important races for the Ladies on the calendar and it’s in Chesterfield which is great.”

Mayor of Chesterfield Steve Brunt said: “It’s unbelievable for Chesterfield. It’s a fantastic opportunity and it’s putting the town on the map and encouraging health and well-being which is one of our main policies especially for young people and girls to get out on their bikes and get fit.

“This might also inspire a future champion from Chesterfield.”