Flags were flying and crowds were cheering as the Tour of Britain raced through the streets of Bradford on Avon this morning.

The 120 riders tackled Winsley Hill, before speeding through the village and down in Bradford, where hundreds of people lined Masons Lane, Market Street and St Margaret’s Street, all keen to get a glimpse before they shot past.

Inspector Chris Chammings, who successfully campaigned to bring the tour through the centre of Bradford on Avon rather than skirting it, watched the action from the bottom of Market Street.

"After all the planning, to see it actually happen and the crowds that turned out was fantastic," he said.

"It has put Bradford on Avon on the map for sporting events and I hope it is back in Wiltshire soon.

"It is amazing to see so many people turn up and support the race. It was a fantastic atmosphere that insured everyone was safe. This was only possible through the Bradford community embracing such a large event and the work of the town council, county council and key partners."

Mayor John Potter, who helped Inspector Chammings with his campaign, watched the action from the Town Bridge.

He said: “We have been getting ready this morning, putting up the flags. All the hard work paid off and it worked really well.

“You see the motorbikes and think they are going really fast, then you see how fast the bikes go after. They came screaming round and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

Bradford on Avon PCSO Andrew Maclachlan said: "It was a wonderful atmosphere, great turnout and everyone was very well behaved and flying the flag for Bradford on Avon.

"This was a major sporting event coming thought the town thanks to Inspector Chammings and the town council."

Cyclists Adam Seviour, from Trowbridge, and Todd Kellett, from Yeovil, took the prime viewing spot outside the Swan Hotel in Market Street.

The friends cycled from Farleigh Hungerford this morning and were looking forward to seeing Bradley Wiggins.

They said: "We always planned to come here. We got our spot about half an hour ago (9.40am). We are looking forward to seeing how fast they will be going down here, compared to our standards."

Dotty Deacon, of Market Street, said: “I was hanging out my lounge window waving my St Piran's flag. The noise and atmosphere was incredible.

“Bradford on Avon always works really hard when events come to the town and this was no different.”

Vito Scaduto, co owner of The Three Gables restaurant in St Margaret's Street, said: "The excitement was building. It's good to get people coming into the town.

"We had some people in for lunch early because they wanted to get a good view out the window."

Bradford bike shop TT Cycles in Westbury Gardens is offering free bike checks all day.

Mark Ashley said: "I hope it (the tour) will bring recognition to Bradford on Avon. It is good for cycling and good for us as a bike shop.”

Stunt display group M.A.D will be in Westbury gardens from 4-7pm today and there will be a barbecue, stalls and the winner of the town’s bike trail will be announced.