Members of Ilkley Cycling Club had the honour of presenting the match ball at one of the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup last Friday.
Just before the match between New Zealand and Scotland kicked off, a group of 20 riders rode a lap of the Headingley pitch clad in yellow T-shirts bearing the logo of the Yorkshire Grand Depart of the Tour de France, to welcoming applause.
Euan Mackay balanced the ball carefully as he held firmly to his handlebars with his free hand. After arriving at the team captains, Euan passed the ball to young rider Jonny Gill to present it.
The ride – a little shorter than most of the club's outings – was the idea of Welcome to Yorkshire. After flying the flag for Yorkshire's Grand Depart in front of the 16,000 crowd and a worldwide TV audience, the riders took to the stands to watch the match and – perhaps with the exception of Mackay, a Scot – enjoyed the Kiwis' display of superiority.
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