Run annually on the first Sunday in May this is one of the few British bike races that has a truly European atmosphere. The race passes right through the historic centre of the city each lap and draws large crowds. The harsh climb up the 1 in 6 cobbled hill of Michaelgate would have most people walking at the first attempt. After 13 climbs up it and 102 miles of racing only the fittest manage to reach the finish. A big crowd gathers between the Castle and the Cathedral for the climax at around 3:30pm.