THOUSANDS of spectators hit Redditch town centre to show their support to many of the world’s top cyclists as they participated in the Pearl Izumi Tour Series.

The event kicked off at 2pm on Tuesday, May 19 with a speech from county council community and engagement manager, Jon Fraser and a ribbon was cut by Great Britain mountain biker Beth Crumpton, from Redditch, who finished at a creditable 30th place in the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix held at 5.30pm.

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series race came to a dramatic end as the individual winner of the night from ONE Pro Cycling, Jon Mould, secured his win after Morgan Kneisky of Team Raleigh GAC raised his hands in victory too early not realising the Welshman was close behind him.

In the team result Madison Genesis came first with Pedal Heaven in second place and Team Raleigh - GAC in third.

Olympic Champion Laura Trott came first in the women's Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series. The win was not enough to give Trott's Matrix Fitness team the Series lead, as third placed Nikki Juniper led a young team Giordana Triton to the team win and series lead, plus the sprints jersey from the opening round.

At around 2.30pm pupils from Alvechurch CE Middle School, Birchensale Middle School, St Bedes Middle School and Walkwood CE Middle School gathered on Unicorn Hill to take part in 250 metre sprint races.

From 3.30pm business races were held and several firms including Redditch’s Nandos, Kingfisher Security, Kingfisher Allstars, BWA Commercial and Rachel’s Cupcakes took part in the action.

The event, which last year saw it bring in an excess of £100,000 to the local economy, was the second race in the in the national rounds, and Redditch was the first venue this year to host the women’s race in the competition.

Councillor Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Council, said: “It has been the usual huge, spectacular event. Crowds were out in force, lots of people both young and old.

“It gets better year on year and there were more activities taking place during the day.”

“It’s good for everybody, for the town’s businesses and hoteliers and food eateries, everybody wins.

“I am sure the Kingfisher Shopping Centre will have seen an upturn in trade.

“I am hoping it will return next year, they are now working hard to get the sponsorship.”

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "It was exciting to have some of the country's top Olympians taking part in the Tour Series.

“This is huge boost to Redditch and the local economy. Our aspiration and journey to becoming known as world class Worcestershire can only be strengthened by such great events."

Jon Fraser, county council community and engagement manager, said: "We're pleased to host this major cycling event for a fourth year.

“Having spoken to a number of stakeholders and hearing from members of the public, it is clear there is an appetite to have this event return in 2016."

For full results visit tourseries.co.uk.