Tour of Britain Stage Three Brings Temporary Drone Flight Ban Over East Yorkshire

Drone pilots have been told to keep their aircraft grounded as the Tour of Britain cycling race moves into East Yorkshire, after aviation authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) covering the county on Friday.

The restriction bars unauthorised flights over the region up to an altitude of 2,700 ft (823 metres). Between 08:45 and 15:45 BST, anyone wanting to fly in the zone must first secure approval from Humberside Police.

According to the force, the measure is designed to protect the public and other aircraft operating in the area, which include police drones and media crews capturing aerial footage of the race.

Race Context

This year’s edition covers 565 miles (910 km) and began in Lincoln on Wednesday. Stage two runs from Boston to Skegness, passing through Horncastle, Louth and the Lincolnshire coast. Friday’s third stage takes riders from Hull to Beverley via Withernsea, Hornsea and Skipsea.

From there, the peloton heads into the Yorkshire Dales for stage four, running from Helmsley to Leyburn, with the race scheduled to conclude in Earlston, Scotland, on Sunday 6 September.

Road Closures and Local Events

Officials said rolling road closures will accompany each stage, with roads shut for roughly 30 to 40 minutes as the riders pass through. Towns and villages along the route are staging community events to mark the race’s visit.

Cycling events of this scale typically draw significant broadcast coverage, and aerial imagery is a staple of the sport’s television presentation — a factor behind the effort to clear unauthorised drones from the flight path. The fitness and connected-equipment sector that has grown up around recreational cycling remains closely watched by investors; among listed names, Peloton Interactive (PTON) — which sells connected fitness products including the Peloton Bike and Tread lines — was trading at $5.33, up 4.27% from a previous close of $5.11, with a market capitalisation of roughly $2.39 billion.

What to watch

• Stage three through East Yorkshire on Friday, running under the NOTAM restrictions between 08:45 and 15:45 BST.
• Stage four in the Yorkshire Dales from Helmsley to Leyburn.
• The race finish in Earlston, Scotland, on Sunday 6 September.

Source: original release