THOUSANDS of people turned out to watch some of the world’s best cyclists speed through Flintshire and Wrexham.

Crowds flocked to catch a glimpse of the Tour of Britain peloton, as Stage 1 of the prestigious race drew to a close in Wrexham town centre.

Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish were just two of the cycling world’s biggest stars taking part.

The race reached Flintshire via Gwernymynydd early in the afternoon, travelling through Mold along New Street, Chester Road and Mold Road.

It then passed through Mynydd Isa and Buckley towards Hope, heading along Hawarden Road and Wrexham Road into Wrexham town centre at about 3.15pm.

Once in Wrexham, the race continued along Grosvenor Road, Bradley Road, Watery Road, Pentre Felin, St Giles Way, Tuttle Street, Yorke Street, and finishing in Chester Street at about 4pm.

Among the spectators waiting at the finish of Stage 1 along Chester Street, were pensioners Judith and Gwyn Goodman from Acton.

Mrs Goodman said: “This is great, absolutely wonderful and really nice for the town.

“We watch it on TV every year, so thought we would come out today to see it for ourselves.

“It is really special for the town.”

Cycling fan Alan Brennan, from Borras, said he could not miss the chance to see some of his heroes race in his hometown.

On his way to Chester Street from Llyn Isaf, he said: “It’s fantastic and this will really promote Wrexham.

“I follow it on TV and to come here today and see the impressive set-up, it’s like the Tour De France but in Wrexham.

“We’ve got the world’s best in town, Sir Bradley (Wiggins) and Mark Cavendish, I’ve been really looking forward to it.

Fellow cycling enthusiasts, brothers Trevor and Bryn Roberts were also hoping to catch a glimpse of the big names.

Bryn, who has recently moved back to Wrexham from Northumberland, said: “Getting the first day of the race is a big deal for the town.

“I’ve just moved back to the area and you could not imagine anything like this coming here 10 years ago.

“It’s a real coup for Wrexham.

His brother Trevor added: “Everyone should make as much of it as possible, like Leeds did with the Tour De France.

“Hopefully the council will see the success of this and keep on improving cycling facilities and lanes in the town.

“I also hope cyclists will get more respect from motorists in the area now as well.

“For Wrexham to get an event like this, I don’t think people realise how big a deal it is, it’s great for the profile of Wrexham.”

As people waited for the peloton to reach Wrexham, there was a carnival atmosphere in the town centre.

Offa Community Councillor and patisserie owner Steven Vale was one of those helping to contribute to it.

He put on tea and cakes outside his shop in Central Arcade, with all proceeds going to the RAF Wings Appeal.

Cllr Vale said the visit of the Tour of Britain was a great occasion for the town.

“This is just what the town and the area needs. It’s nice to see so many people out and about, who normally would be here on a Sunday afternoon.”

His views were echoed by the town’s MP Ian Lucas, who was also enjoying the occasion.

Mr Lucas said: “The whole event is tremendous.

“The town is looking vibrant, colourful, and people are enjoying themselves, which is what we want to see.

“It’s a fantastic presentation of Wrexham on a national stage, with it being shown by ITV.

“Hopefully it will make those who have come here from outside the area want to come back again.”