MONTHS of preparation, and it was all quickly over in a blur of spinning wheels and brightly coloured jerseys.

The Tour of Britain cyclists flashed through Teignmouth, Dawlish and Starcross in minutes, but the crowds who had lined the route for hours reckoned it was all worthwhile.

It was the chance of a lifetime to see some of the world's top pedallers on our doorstep, and thousands took the opportunity to watch nearly 100 pros tackle the arduous 106-mile route from Minehead to Teignmouth, rated the toughest ever in the history of the tour.

The riders had to cope with wind, rain and mist over the Exmoor and other hills, and many of the backmarkers looked totally exhausted and fed up by the time they reached Teignmouth.

But they were warmly greeted by enthusiastic crowds who cheered and pummelled on the sponsorship boards lining the Upper Den.

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