Route Master

We have been well equipped and trained in readiness for our Tour Maker duties.

Hat, sensible versatile trousers, rain jacket or polo shirt, the prospect of an umbrella.

Flag technique, crossing point protocol, public relations and being happy to help.

This should prepare us for most foreseeable scenarios but in my experience of marshalling at local and national cycle events you should expect the unexpected so how about considering the following tools and aids.

Stiff Yard broom- you may want to spruce up that few square metres that you have responsibility for. There will always be a bit of wash-out from a field gate or pile of loose chippings with implications for traction or untimely punctures under narrow racing tyres.

Shovel- look out for road-kill on the carriageway which could have an impact on the race if becoming wedged in spokes or chain, not to mention sprayed up into the Peloton.

Flash liquid- that bollard, road signage or traffic light pole could do with a bit of a clean and polish from accumulated dirt and grime. Have pride in your surroundings.

Bin bag- always useful to gather up those pesky McDonalds bags that tend to drift about in the eddying currents of a hot tarmac road.

Can crusher- after having chased an empty can of strong lager along part of the Tour Route this is a useful piece of kit to exact some satisfying revenge.

Body armour- the riders, particularly in the latter miles of a race stage will seek to eject their empty and surplus water bottles in indiscrimate fashion. A salvaged and washed bidon is useful for your own cycling activities.

Crash helmet- complimetary to the body armour for more of a loopy throw of a bottle out of the peleton.

Thick skin- essential to deflect rude comments by the public, particularly those from older couples trying to tow a caravan to the seaside along the designated race route and expressing indignation about being delayed by a lot of push-bikes.

Shoe box- useful to collect wild animals who with little understanding of Bicycle racing tend to wander willy-nilly all over the road. Hedgehogs can be picked up using the aforementioned bin bag. Frogs and Toads can be cornered and scooped up. Ducks and ducklings can be steered to safety using the shoe-box lid.

Shepherds Crook- for those on the upland and moorland sections this is an essential piece of kit for those errant sheep and stubborn cattle.

Dog treats- it always helps to have some choccy drops available to coax that stray hound or panicked pet out of harms way.

Handy wipes-all of the above promote sticky hands and perspiring brows. You must be able to grip that flag and blow that whistle in a hygienically efficient manner.

Swiss Army Knife-just for those moments when you do need to get a stone out of a horses hoof.

Clothes Pegs- helps to keep barrier mounted hoardings in place if whipped up by the wind.

Duct Tape- multi purpose for fixing anything to anything.

Toothbrush and hairbrush or comb- of course you do want to look your very best in case Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen notice your contribution to the smooth passage of the Tour de France on Yorkshire soil.