Thousands lined the streets of Bolton on Saturday to support the UK’s most prestigious cycling race, the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, as it passed through the town.
Cheering crowds gathered in Bromley Cross, Egerton, Horwich and Blackrod and waved flags as the world’s top riders rode past.
The start of the eighth and final stage of the event kicked off in Altrincham and made its way into Bolton at around 1.40pm.
More than 40 Walmsley C of E Primary School pupils stood on Blackburn Road cheering on the cyclists, in t-shirts that spelt out Bolton, businesses along the route decorated their premises, and Egerton Park hosted free family activities.
Lee Lane in Horwich also welcomed hundreds of residents and cycling fans to watch the Eisberg sprint.
Live international TV coverage also highlighted Bolton to a worldwide audience.
Local farmer Dave Norris, had mowed ‘Bolton’ into his field at Higher Critchley Fold Barn, and a ‘bike’ made from chairs, crates and parasols created by a community group, council staff, local councillors on Egerton Park all made it on to the TV coverage.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, was out cheering on the cyclists in Egerton.
He said: “I am so proud of how Bolton welcomed the Tour of Britain. The whole event brought a real sense of pride and community spirit, celebrating the best of our town.
“Thousands of people in Bromley Cross, Egerton, Horwich and Blackrod, and across the route lined the streets for this great sporting event.
“A huge thank you to everyone, particularly the residents, businesses, and school children, who embraced the race.
“There was a great atmosphere and what the elite athletes absolutely deserved. It was a wonderful experience for us all to share and we showed the rest of the world what a fantastic town we have.”
Mathieu van der Poel was crowned the 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain champion.