HUNDREDS of people crowded onto Ledbury High Street trying to gain the best vantage point to witness the biggest professional cycle race intermediate sprint on the stage route on the British tour.

Police cars and motorcyclists with blue flashing lights and a helicopter overhead, heralded the arrival of the cyclists who had completed the challenge of the Malvern Hills and the riders were greeted with cheers and applause.

Under the market House, Bella Johnson of the Ledbury Area Cycle forum accompanied by Rebecca and Niamh Hogan and their dad Ed, brought their bikes along to encourage others to take up the great sport of cycling and Clements Cycles was on hand to tweak brakes and wheels for extra safety.