Piece Hall shines bright at start of final stage of Tour de Yorkshire

The race started at the Grade I listed Piece Hall where it was waved off by Halifax residents and many visitors.

The venue, which opened last year after a major renovation project, proved to be the perfect spot to see the fourth stage of the major cycling event get going.

WATCH: The spine-tingling moment Mark Cavendish is introduced to the Piece Hall crowd at the Tour de YorkshireSpeaking before the race, Chair of the Piece Hall Trust Roger Marsh OBE said: "It's a proud honour today, not only for Halifax and Calderdale but way beyond that.

"For me it's about showing what the Piece Hall is all about and what our vision is to ensure the future of the Piece Hall and it's proud heritage of nearly 250 years.

"We're trying to make it relevant for today and what is more relevant than one of the world's most exciting cycle races."

Mother and daughter Elaine Sharp and Sarah Goodwin were making the most of the sunshine before the event got going.

Elaine said: "We're here because it's Halifax and it's a wonderful place to be so we thought we'd come down so we're looking forward to it starting."

WATCH: Stunning scenes as Halifax sees the Tour de Yorkshire 2018 riders off in style at the Piece Hall"We come to the Piece Hall quite a lot since they renovated it so it's really nice to have the event here," added Sarah. "We love it."

Riders left the Piece Hall at midday and headed out of the town towards Hebden Bridge on Burnley Road.

The course through Calderdale was mainly downhill but riders had to tackle to infamous Cote de Hebden Bridge up to Pecket Well, the first of the days categorised climbs.

*Send us your pictures from the day: Email [email protected] or tweet @HXCourier*

Read:Did you watch the Tour de Yorkshire pass through Halifax?