Thousands of people young and old lined the streets of Nantwich to watch some of the world’s best cyclists in the Tour of Britain.
The third stage of the race passed down Crewe Road, Millstone Lane, Barony Road and out towards Reaseheath at lunchtime today (September 6).
It also passed through Crewe, Wistaston, Willaston before arriving into Nantwich.
Police closed roads as the riders sped along the route, thrilling young flag-waving fans, many of them on their last day os school summer holidays.
Thousands of pictures and video clips have been posted online and social media, capturing the historic event.
Pupils at Nantwich Primary Academy were back in class today – but enjoyed a day out to watch the Tour whiz by.
And they included eight-year-old Vanessa Siecle (pictured below), who won the Cheshire East competition for designing the finishing flag that was waved at the end of the race.
Meanwhile, Reaseheath College students marked the event by getting involved in a giant piece of aerial artwork alongside the competitors’ route.
About 80 students formed the moving wheels of a 100ft long bicycle laid out on a field opposite the college’s main entrance on Worleston Road.
The event was timed to coincide as the elite athletes passed the college today.
Liam Salt, Reaseheath Sports Performance course manager and a keen cyclist, organised the aerial artwork.
He said: “Awareness of all types of sport is growing thanks to the Rio Olympics and it was a great way for the students to be part of a premier event.
“The aerial artwork looked amazing and was an exciting activity to mark the race as it passed through Cheshire.”
It’s the first time Cheshire East hosted a stage of the race.
The success of Team GB’s cycling team at Rio Olympics has increased interest in the sport.
Star names such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish are taking part in the Tour of Britain, which finishes next Sunday September 11.
Cheshire East Council had trained hundreds of volunteers to help marshal the event, which passed with barely a hitch.
The stage followed a course from Congleton to Tatton Park in Knutsford over a distance of 111.6 miles.
It is the only stage in this year’s race that is held entirely within one county’s borders.
The stage was won by Englishman Ian Stannard, from Team Sky, who helped Chris Froome to victory at this year’s Tour de France and was then part of Team GB’s road squad at last month’s Rio Olympics.
These are some of the many pictures sent in by our loyal readers.
(Pics from Jonathan White, Laura Brown, Nantwich Academy, and Reaseheath College)
Reaseheath College – Students make a wheely good impression for Tour of Britain (includes link to a video): http://cheshiretourofbritain.co.uk/students-make-a-wheely-good-impression-for-tour-of-britain/