VIDEO: World's best cyclists go head to head as Tour of Britain hits Clacton

Tendring hosted the individual time trial of the prestigious race today.

The 10-mile trial started and finished at West Greensward and followed a coastal course taking in Clacton, Holland-on-Sea and Great Holland.

It was the first time that Britain’s premier men’s road cycling event had visited Tendring and it was aired live on ITV4.

The Tendring stage of the race was the fifth of the eight-stage tour which began in Edinburgh on Sunday and will finish in Cardiff on Sunday.

The stage was won by Dutch cyclist Lars Boom, from the Lotto NL Jumbo team, who completed the course in 19 minutes and 2 seconds.

Cycle fan Francis Kyan, 31, from Warwick Crescent, turned out for the event with daughter Novalee, 2.

He said: “I’m a big cycling fan so it was a great to see the tour come to Clacton - and for it to be supported so well.

"I ride on these streets all the time and it will be great to see how my time compares to theirs.”

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for tourism, said the event is estimated to be worth more than £600,000 to the local economy.

“It was great to see people lining the streets,” he added.

“It was such a successful day - even out in the sticks I saw people with tables and champagne outside their homes watching the race.

“This has brought people into our area and given the district great exposure on television. It has also prolonged the summer season.”

Movistar Team rider Alex Dowsett, from Maldon, came tenth in trial.

He said: “It was amazing riding here. It was very local for me and the support was amazing."

He added: “We get good support all over the country, but this is my home turf and to hear so many people shouting my name is very special.

“Getting in the top ten was very tough because of the calibre of the riders here.

"It was a good race for me and there wasn’t much more I could have done. I’m happy with that performance.”

Find out more about the Tour here.