Over 100 of the world's finest cyclists were bathed in sunlight as the Tour of Britain's Grand Depart got underway in Altrincham.
The race, the UK's biggest and most prestigious professional cycle race and the country's largest free-to-spectate sporting event, returned to the town for the first time since 2019.
Thousands lined the streets of Altrincham and Hale and an estimated 500,000 spectators filled the 163.6-kilometre route around Greater Manchester.
Dutchman Olav Kooij, of the Jumbo – Visma team, sprinted to win the opening stage in front of a packed crowd on Deansgate in Manchester.
Kooij led home a one-two for the Dutch team ahead of Wout van Aert, with Sam Bennett (BORA – hansgrohe) the best of the rest in third.
Kooij said: “It was actually quite a hard day, but really nice with all the fans out on the road.
“I’m really happy to start the race with a win. We made a lot of plans for the lead-out throughout the year but it doesn’t come together that many times. To get it right after such a good job from the whole team makes the victory even nicer.”
Pictures from the day the Grand Depart came to Altrincham
Photographers: Laura Marie Linck, Karen Herman-Wright, SWPix
