Thousands of people lined the streets of London to welcome the returning heroes of the Tour of Britain.
With Sir Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) resplendent in the IG gold jersey of race leader claiming overall victory, and Omega Pharma-QuickStep’s Mark Cavendish taking the stage in the colours of British champion, the home fans had plenty to cheer.
And with stage three winner, 21-year-old Simon Yates, claiming a spot on the final podium, thanks in part to victory on stage six, those who lined the capital’s streets had reason to believe that this year’s home nation success will not be the last.
Yates’ team-mate on the Great Britain development squad, Owain Doull, won the best young rider competition, and IG-Sigma Sport’s Pete Williams came within three points of winning the sprints jersey for a second successive year.
Photographer Paul Hayes-Watkins sent these superb images from the final stage in London, which we bring you with his kind permission.
