THOUSANDS of cycle fans lined the streets as the Aviva Women’s Tour hit Tendring.

The world’s top female cyclists battled it out on Thursday for the second stage of the five-day race, which started in Braintree and finished on Clacton seafront.

Large crowds welcomed the cyclists at the finish line, in Marine Parade West, at about 1.35pm.

The race was won by Belgian cyclist Jolien d'Hoore of the Wiggle Honda team. Second place went to Germany's Lisa Brennauer, of Velocio Sram, and third place was Boels-Dolmans team rider Christine Majerus, of Luxembourg.

There was a hotly-contested climb in Thorrington and sprints in Frinton and Great Bentley.

Britain's Lizzie Armitstead did not take part after crashing shortly after winning the first stage in Suffolk on Wednesday.

Clacton residents turned out in force to cheer on cyclists on the finishing straight.

Drew Welham, 31, of Clacton, said: “I missed the race last year by about 30 seconds when it came past my road, so I made an effort to come to the finishing line this year.

"It was a very exciting finish and they came past so quickly. It’s brilliant for Clacton – there were so many people on the seafront.”

Carer Annie Davidson, 62, watched the race from the front garden of her home – just meters from the finishing line.

She said: “I saw it last year as well – it’s great to have this on my doorstep.

“I’m lucky. I also have the carnival and the air show come past. It’s great for Clacton to have this type of event.”

Tendring Technology College student Adam Bowler, 13, of Kirby Cross, also watched the race.

“It’s the first time I’ve watched it. I saw them all come past so quickly - it was so exciting.”

Engaines pupil and talented young sports star Ellie May Challis, 11, of Little Clacton, met Dame Sarah Storey and her Pearl Izumi Sport Tours International cycling team along with other Tendring Sports Personality award winners earlier in the week

She said: “I really enjoyed the day. I didn’t expect it to be quite so fast, but I made a video as they came past.

“I had met Dame Sarah Storey earlier in the week so cheered her team on as they crossed the finishing line.”

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for tourism, said the event had been a major boost for the district.

He said: “It was a wonderful event. We have seen world class cyclists and had a brilliant day. Across the district, everyone got involved.

“I’m so pleased to see everyone get into the spirit of it. I hope to see it come back next year.” 

The overall race leader is now Lisa Brennauer. Highlights of the stage will be shown on ITV4 at 8pm

Confirmed Stage 2 result: 1. Jolien D’hoore (Bel) Wiggle Honda, (3:23:25), 2. Lisa Brennauer (Ger) Velocio-SRAM, 3. Christine Majerus (Lux) Boels-Dolmans, 4. Emma Johansson (Swe) ORICA-AIS, 5. Anouska Koster (Ned) Rabo-Liv.

For the full list of results, click here.