HUNDREDS of people lined the streets as some of the country’s top cyclists went through Pershore for the Tour of Britain.

The eighth and final stage of the tour started in Worcester on Sunday before the race officially began in Pershore.

Taking part in the race were British stars Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas and some of Europe’s best cyclists.

The mayor of Evesham, Cllr Bob Gillmor said: “I think it was a great spectacle for everyone, it certainly had a good turnout for an event on a Sunday morning.

“It brought in lots of trade for the town and there was a great atmosphere from the first road closure to the cavalcade of cars following through after the race,

“Whilst the roads were closed for 20 minutes or so, I don’t think this was enough to inconvenience anyone.

Wychavon District councillor for Pershore, Tony Rowley said: “I thought it went wonderfully well and I am very proud of the people of Pershore and surrounding areas for the reception they gave the cyclists, they created a great atmosphere. There were certainly hundreds of people in Pershore Town Centre.”

Cllr Val Wood, also a Wychavon councillor for Pershore added: “I thought it was brilliant, it was great to see so many people come together to see the cyclists.

“I would like to see it become an annual event, I don’t know if that is possible. It really promoted cycling in the area and it may well inspire people to take up cycling.

“Hopefully cycle paths can be provided or upgraded and cycling made safer for people.”

The race saw police motorcycles leading the cyclists through Drakes Broughton on the B4084 before reaching Pershore, on their 180km route that finished in Cardiff.

ITV broadcast every minute of the race on ITV4 meaning that images of the town were beamed around the world.

The cyclists progressed down the High Street before following onto Broad Street then onto Defford Road.

Several roads were closed around the area as the cyclists went through.