CROWDS filled the streets of Tavistock last week, to wave off the international teams of cyclists at the start of stage five of the Tour of Britain.

Masses of people turned out to watch the biggest sporting event ever to come to Tavistock as the cyclists set off to race across Dartmoor.

Stage five started in Bedford Square with a procession that celebrated the town's heritage as the birthplace of Sir Frances Drake, with the man himself leading representatives of the town and pupils from Tavistock Primary School through the streets on vintage bikes.

The pro-cyclists continued the spirit of adventure from the off, with Johnny Hoogerland of Vacansoleil attacking the first King of the Mountains climb just minutes into the race at Merrivale.

The sprints were dominated by Michal Golas as the Vacansoleil rider got a hat trick of sprint wins. His clean sweep also gave him the lead in the sprint jersey competition, taking over the lead from Team Saxo Bank's Richie Porte.

It was Marco Frapporti who crossed the line first at Glastonbury in a time of around four hours and 16 minutes, just seconds ahead of Bradley Wiggins. Swiss rider Michael Albasini, of team HTC-Columbia, maintained his overall lead in the race to hold on to the yellow jersey and the points jersey.

The crowds of spectators gathered in Bedford Square early on the morning of the race and were entertained by the UK's top elite trials rider Andrei Burton who gave a BMX display, and All Out Performing Arts group who performed on stage and warmed up the crowds in anticipation for the race.

Tavistock resident, Mike Hunting, said: 'I must say a huge thank you and well done to all the councils, businesses, organisations and individuals who contributed to making the Tour of Britain's visit to Tavistock such a success.

'Professional cycling is, for many people, one of the greatest free shows in the world. The way Tavistock embraced this opportunity was unbelievable. More please!'

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'This has been another triumph for Devon and Somerset, and with so many spectators turning out to watch the race it must be good news for our local economy. The south west has again proven it can host a world class event and attract thousands of visitors to enjoy some of our best coast and countryside.

'Local people have shown amazing support for these incredible riders and we've all been able to enjoy a real spectacle. We're now well and truly established on the cycling map.'

At the end of the Tour of Britain, it was Michael Albasini for team HTC-Columbia who came first in the general classification standings, followed by Borut Bozic for Vacansoleil in second place and Greg Henderson for Sky in third place.

Greg Henderson also won the Prostate Cancer Charity points jersey, Johnny Hoogerland, vacansoleil, won the King of the Mountains jersey and Michal Golas, also for vacansoleil, took home the sprints jersey.