​Kristina Richardson, the mayor of Withensea, helped children make banners and flags to support the riders [BBC/Amanda White]Spectators, cycling groups and a former Olympian were among those who welcomed riders to Hull and East Yorkshire for stage three of the 2026 Tour of Britain men’s cycling race earlier.The riders set off in Hull and raced through towns and villages including Bilton, Preston, Hedon, Withernsea, Mappleton, Hornsea, Skipsea, Langtoft and Driffield, before finishing in Beverley.They covered a total of about 120.6 miles (194.1km), with an elevation of 636.8ft (1,612m). A free cycling festival was also held in Hull, as well as flag-making in Withernsea and more celebrations in Beverley. The third day of the Tour of Britain set off from Hull [BBC/Dale Baxter]Hull The race began with a neutralised start at East Park before the official racing got under way on the B1239 Wyton Road.Among the spectators was former Olympian and Great Britain track and road cyclist Ed Clancy, who said it was “fantastic” to see the race and so many people taking part in the festival. “The beautiful thing about cycling is that it transcends just being a pure sport. Cycling is a fantastic tool for fun, for leisure and for getting out into the beautiful green surroundings that you have here in East Yorkshire.”British BMX racer Ross Cullen was also at the festival of cycling and said it was his first time “embracing Hull as a city”.”Cycling round this country is something I’m really keen to do, so it’s my honour to be here and sharing my love for two wheels.”Elite BMX racer Ross Cullen says it is an honour to be in Hull [BBC/Dale Baxter]Bilton and Preston Both villages welcomed the riders with open arms – and plenty of decorations.Adrian and Karen Cromack travelled from Scunthorpe to watch the event, and were also heading to Beverley and Skipsea to catch another glimpse. Adrian said: “It was astonishing, absolutely unbelievable, beautiful. It’s just so quick. “You think about the money that has been spent, but it’s worth it for sure.”Lindsey Jones was watching outside her house, which she had decorated for the occasion, alongside her sister, Hayley Johnson.She said: “It’s just the buzz and the excitement of it all. [We wanted] to see the races, make them feel supported, and be part of the community.”Adrian and Karen Cromack travelled to Bilton from Scunthorpe to watch the race [BBC/Sally Fairfax]Withernsea The celebrations were in full force to welcome the riders to the seaside town.Councillor Kristina Richardson, mayor of Withernsea, said: “We’ve got one mission here as a community, and that’s to put Withernsea on the map. And today we’re making a big stride to do that.”Balloons, bunting, flags, you name it, we’re having a party.”Children were able to make their own flags and banners, as well as getting their face painted. Towns and villages along the route pulled out all the stops to welcome the riders, including in Withernsea [BBC/Amanda White]HornseaAs t