Excited spectators gathered in west Suffolk to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s best cyclists as they take part in the Tour of Britain.
Crowds gathered at the start of today’s stage, stage six, in Newmarket.
It provides a chance for fans to get close to the athletes, including big names such as Mark Cavendish, Alexander Kristoff and Geraint Thomas, before racing begins.
The peloton is due to roll out of the town at 10.45am, though racing proper will not happen until the flag drops after around 5km – a neutralised start is held to avoid accidents from at the off.
The route takes them towards Bury St Edmunds, with the ultimate finish of the 187km route in Aldeburgh.
In Newmarket spectators can watch the riders sign on and the race leaders be presented before the cycling starts in earnest.
There is also a cycling exhibition at the Heritage Centre.
Natalie McManus, teacher at All Saints Primary School in Newmarket, said: “We’ve brought 120 children from the school to see the race.
“We made a banner for one of the teams and the children are very excited.”
Wendy Gillson and Cindy Young, of St Nicholas Hospice Care, who dressed the window of the charity shop to celebrate the event, said: “It’s great to see all the crowds in Newmarket.
“It’s has brought a lot of people into the town and it’s amazing that they came to Newmarket.
“We’re normally known for horses not cycles.”
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