Ten thousand people lined the route to see the Tour de France

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Over ten thousand people lined the route of the Tour de France at Blackstone Edge today (Sunday 6 July) to see the race passing through.

Littleborough literally thronged with thousands of people not only from all across the UK but from around the world as pedestrians and cyclists snaked up Blackstone Edge in what can only be described as a carnival atmosphere.

The race passed along a section of the B6138 coming up from Cragg Vale and then turned on to the A58 adjacent to Blackstone Edge reservoir after 'The Caravan' and floats passed through.

Linda Fisher, Acting Chief Executive at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Today has been absolutely fantastic, a really memorable day and a huge success, with thousands coming to line the route here in Littleborough. The atmosphere was unforgettable and spectators have had a sporting treat.

"This is a beautiful part of the world, and it’s been great to get exposure to such a massive audience – which we estimate at well over 10,000.”

Councillor Daalat Ali, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Rochdale Borough Council, said it was a once in a lifetime experience. He said: “It has been a truly amazing day and a real honour for the borough of Rochdale to have been a part of it.

"The support we got from so many thousands of people who decided to come here to watch the world’s best cyclists was superb.

"I know it has taken a huge amount of planning and teamwork from our staff, partners and volunteers and I would like to thank everyone for their hard work.”

The positive reaction was also echoed amongst those lining the route – some of whom had been in situ since the early hours of the morning.

Heather Whittles, from Littleborough, said: “We saw people coming up and decided that we should come and watch as well. I don’t think this will come again so it would be silly to miss it.”

Cheryl Butterworth added: “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we wanted to see it. It is amazing.”

Jack Hodge and family travelled from Australia to witness the event. Jack said: “I am a huge cycling fan and we have family in England so we thought we would take the chance to see the race. We are going to London tomorrow as well to watch even more.”

Gordon Rankin, a former racing cyclist, travelled from Stockport with cycling friends to see the race, he said: “I always wanted to watch it pass but never got the chance. I never raced in the Tour de France but I always wanted to. It is great.”

Matthew Bulmer, from Milnrow, said: “I don’t think this will ever come to Rochdale again so it is brilliant to be able to stop and watch it.”

Andrea Clark said: “Everything about it is brilliant. The atmosphere is something we were really looking forward to experiencing after seeing it all yesterday and it is certainly living up to its expectations. It's brilliant.”

This Stage Two of the Tour de France - from York to Sheffield passing through Littleborough - was won by Italian champion Vincenzo Nibali who attacked late as the race ended in Sheffield.

Nibali broke clear of a group, including Britain's defending champion Chris Froome and double winner Alberto Contador, who came in two seconds back and takes over the leader's yellow jersey from stage one winner Marcel Kittel, who finished 20 minutes adrift.