PERSHORE’S streets became a racetrack yesterday for the Tour of Britain.

Crowds lined the route to see the cyclists compete in the sixth stage of the tour, the individual time trial.

READ MORE: Parents of Tom Jones: 'Our pain a year on from his death'

The OVO Energy tour had previously passed through the town, but for the first time fans were able to see the action properly as the race started and finished from Broad Street.

In glorious sunshine, hundreds looked for every vantage position they could to see the action, waving flags and having fun.

The roar from the crowds and the banging on the boards was close to deafening at time as each rider set off to tackle the route, which went through Little Comberton and Bricklehampton during a scenic anti-clockwise loop.

And crowds cheered as the riders raced to the High Street finish line.

Edoardo Affini, of the Mitchelton-Scott team, took first place of the event with the fastest time of 16 minutes 13 seconds to complete the 14.4 kilometre time trial - that was filmed for ITV4 coverage.

Gerrard Ogle, who runs a pharmacy in High Street, said: "It's amazing to see the speeds. I'm fully behind these event, there should be more of them. It puts Pershore on the map."

READ MORE: Road closures in place as more than 5,000 prepare for Worcester City Run

Ian Cooper, a member of the Stroud Valleys Cycling Club said: "We have cycled 40 miles to get here and be here for the day. It's been a great day."

Barry Nash, also from the club, added: "We have been to events before - this one is well organised, and a great crowd. The Tour of Britain is getting bigger every year."