Tour of Britain stars ride in

Cyclists on the Tour of Britain in Wellington. Picture: Andrew Cunningham.

The razzle dazzle of professional cycling came to Shropshire today when the Tour of Britain descended on Telford.

A cavalcade of Lycra-clad riders, police escorts, team cars and motorbikes sped through the Ironbridge Gorge and the streets of Wellington and Hadley as a TV helicopter hovered overhead.

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Dozens of spectators lined the road, collected free gifts from race sponsors e.on and cheered Team GB rider Ben Swift as he led a 10-strong breakaway over the cruel climb of Jiggers Bank.

It was also a chance to spot Olympic medal winners Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas and Chris Newton in the main bunch.

Among the spectators at Jiggers Bank was Dave Fletcher, secretary of Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association, who said: “Getting the Tour of Britain is a real coup for Telford.”