Banging against barriers, ringing bells and cheering the cyclists on, Croydon gave a massive welcome when world class cycling came to town last night.
Hundreds of people turned out to line the 1km route through the town centre and watch the latest leg of the women's Matrix Fitness GP Series and the men’s Pearl Izumi Tour.
Dubbed "Croydon carnage" by one pundit because of the injuries sustained by the athletes in crashes, the riders reached speeds of about 35mph as they raced around the course.
The country’s top cycling teams competed with the One Pro Cycling team of England cricketer Matt Prior winning the men’s event.
This has edged the team a point closer to series leaders Madison Genesis with three rounds to go.
Team member Marcin Bialoblocki had an extra reason to celebrate as he emerged victorious after a battle between five riders who lapped the remainder of the field in the closing minutes.
Madison Genesis duo Tom Stewart and Tobyn Horton were joined by Alex Paton, Series returnee Andy Tennant and eventual winner Bialoblocki.
With Stewart tumbling out of contention it was Bialoblocki who outsprinted Tennant for his first Pearl Izumi Tour Series race win since 2012 with Guernseyman Horton coming in third.
Croydon Council leader Tony Newman congratulating the men's winner Marcin Bialoblocki
In the women’s race Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International riders Gabriella Shaw, Katie Curtis and Paralympic gold medal winner Dame Sarah Storey were among the most active in a fast and sometimes fraught women's race.
Team WNT's Commonwealth Games medallist Charline Joiner took her first win in the Series, putting her third overall in the series behind Team Giordana Triton rider Nikki Juniper and RST Racing’s Jessie Walker.
Juniper came second and there were big cheers for Croydon’s adopted Louise Mahe who came in third.
Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International took the top spot in the team competition, keeping them two points ahead of their nearest rivals Team Giordana Triton.
Lauren Creamer takes the tricky Green Dragon turn
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