Stage Four of the Tour of Britain makes its way through Southwell

People came together to support as cyclists started the sprint section in Collingham, setting it up for an exciting end of day.

Having gone past Southwell earlier this afternoon riders cycled their way to the village.

Collingham was home to cheers and a lot of speed as within a matter of seconds, as endless cyclists sprinted through.

People travelled from places as far as Kent and Lincoln just around the corner, to witness this year’s Tour of Britain.

Some came to see some of their favourite cyclists, while others, came for a different day out, to witness an annual fascinating event and others were caught by surprise but nontheless less excited.

Newark and Sherwood District Council councillor Linda Dales said: “It’s very exciting bringing the cycle race through Collingham. It’s lovely to see everybody out, and the school will be out with us soon.”

“The weather is with us as well, so it couldn’t be better could it.”

Ken Redmore: “I’m from Lincoln. I’ve come here today to watch the cycling.”

“I see it ever year, it’s been round this part of the county four or five times in a row.

“Last year I went to Newark, which had the end, and saw nothing because they flashed by.”

Rosemary Fabian: “Very excited. We’ve got all the children coming very soon, the John Blow primary school children are on their way.”

“It gets the community spirit going.”

Craig Bridge said: “I know there’s a bit of controversy around Lincolnshire because a lot of people don’t like cyclists and the road closures, but it seems like everyone seems chill and happy, and ready to see an awesome sprint finish in Collingham.”

Anne McGregor has been involved with cycle racing for just over 50 years, she said that her husband is ‘obsessed’ with racing and has ridden in races himself. Her husband is now massive into photographing the events so the couple have been travelling up and down following the races.

Racing began along Stage Four’s 86 mile route at 11am this morning in Derby, before passing through rural Derbyshire and entering Nottinghamshire at Eastwood.

Riders will travel through Hucknall, Ravenshead, and Blidworth, finding familiar surroundings on the roads of Southwell, Caunton, and Tuxford, before crossing the River Trent and heading south through Fledborough and Girton.

Michelle Wise: “It’s quite exciting really.

“It’s been great. It’s a great day for it and hopefully everybody is safe by the end of it.”

Mary-Ann Horley: “It’s really exciting for the village. Everyone here is excited to see it once more, we’re getting used to it now.”

Following the sprint section in Collingham, riders powered through Coddington and then down to the finish line at Sconce and Devon Park in Newark.

Luke Wiggs: “It’s super cool to see the world tour pros in such a small place like Lincolnshire. “

“It’s amazing to see world-class cyclists at your doorstep really.”

Jenny Camerom “I actually had no clue what was happening until I was like ‘What’s going on here?’ I thought, oh, it’s the Tour of Britain.”

“It’s very exciting! It’s nice to go through all the villages.”

Nigel Melfy and Chris Goodger: “I think it’s terrific, it’s nice to see them. A friend of mine has come up especially to see the event.”

Oliver Dyson from Grimsby has come all the way just to witness the sprint race. He said, “I came to see it last year but I didn’t expect to see it again so soon!”