Pictures and video: Cogs and cobbles for cyclists on Shrewsbury streets

It was no average Sunday for many spectators, who took full advantage of the weather to cheer on more than 150 competitors.

Riders took part in the evening, from amateurs to pros, tackling the cobbles of Shrewsbury town centre in fast-paced timed circuits.

With a total of four races and around 50 cyclists in each race, event organisers hope this will encourage more people to take up the sport.

And back to defend her title was Brit Tate, from Yorkshire, who won the women's only race last year ahead of Olympic gold medalist Joanna Rowsell MBE.

The 21-year-old came in second this time after being beaten by 20-year-old Jessie Walker from Sheffield, who said she was excited to win the race.

"It's great to see that at this event women are competing on the same circuit as men," she said.

"You find that some events may make it easier for women, but here it's exactly the same and with the cobbles as an obstacle it makes it even more of a challenge.

"The crowds that came out to cheer us on really gave us all the encouragement we needed."

Before the main events began at 3pm, the circuit was open to families from 1pm for them to enjoy.

One mother and daughter who took advantage of this was Lisa Collins, 48, and her seven-year-old daughter Magda.

"We just came up with our bikes and went round the route while it was open for two hours in the afternoon, it was great and we really enjoyed ourselves," Mrs Collins said.

"Lots of families took part, and was all a bit of fun really, I don't think anyone was taking it seriously.

"It was tough, but we got through it and Magda loved it, and afterwards we stayed to watch the rest of the racing."

Also supporting the event was the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Miles Kenny, who said: "This is a terrific event, and really did bring a lot of people to Shrewsbury.

"It is great that we have an event like this happening in the town as it also brings in more trade.

"We had people coming from all over coming to the town centre to watch the cycling, which is fantastic. We have so much going on. The weather has ended up being terrific, but it never rains where the mayor goes." Emma Neill, 25, from Porthill in Shrewsbury, said she came out to show support for some of the cyclists.

She said: "It's just been a really nice way to spend a Sunday, and to see the town so busy is great."

The race circuit took riders from The Square along High Street, Shoplatch, St Johns Hill, Cross Hill, Swan Hill, College Hill, Princess Street, Milk Street and then back on to the High Street.

Racing started at 3pm with the Pure Telecom Women's Pro Race, followed by the Hatchers Youth Race. The main event – the Stan's Cycles Pro Raceboasted a top field of riders drawn from the local, regional and national circuit and was won by Dale Appleby. The racing finished with the Cooper Green Pooks Amateur Race.