THOUSANDS of people lined York’s streets to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s top cyclists as the city played host to the first leg of the Tour Of Britain.

Excited crowds enjoyed soaring temperatures on Saturday as they waited for the competitors to race across the finishing line at Heworth Stray.

As part of the build-up to the race, a host of attractions including bouncy castles, climbing walls, Punch and Judy shows, face-painting and brass and samba bands kept families entertained before the opening stage of the tour reached a tense climax.

Enthusiasts also took part in various cycling challenges, including obstacle courses, grass track challenges and a folding bicycle race.

Cycling fans flocked to the city to see the field of 100 riders sprint to the finish, following a 172km stage from Scunthorpe.

Fan Mary Sheppard had travelled from Bridlington. “It is not often you get to see an event such as this,” she said. “It was a great day for it and really enjoyable.”

Judy Webb, of Haxby, said she had a wonderful day. “It was great to be part of such an exciting day in my home city.”

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun John Galvin and members of the civic party were among the crowds at the finishing line.

Coun Galvin said: “We had a wonderful time, the weather was very good to us and it was fantastic to see the cyclists race to an exciting finish.”

Tourism chiefs described the event as a major coup for the region which had brought a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: "This event has put us on the sporting map and reinforces York as a cycle city.

“This event reinforces York as a place that excels at hosting high profile, world-class events, such as Royal Ascot.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Visit Yorkshire, said: “It is fantastic that York has been part of such an international event of repute.

“It is an honour we were chosen to hold the first stage of this prestigious race and also sporting events like this are big business and we are delighted that this business had come to our region.”

Mr Verity was joined by pupils from Osbaldwick Primary School to hand over the yellow jersey to the winner – Australia’s Chris Sutton.

Wiggins leads Sutton home

Australian Chris Sutton won the opening stage of the Tour of Britain in York – thanks to the efforts from Garmin team-mate and Tour de France hero Bradley Wiggins.

Sutton edged out Italian Michele Merlo and Ben Swift to claim the first yellow jersey of the race.

Sutton, nephew of British Cycling coach Shane Sutton, was taken to the front by Wiggins after the peloton caught a two-man break which had built a lead of over 12 minutes at one point in the 172-kilometre stage from Scunthorpe.

Sutton hung on in Wiggins’ slipstream just off the front of the peloton until sprinting for the line.

Meanwhile, Holland’s Kai Reus held off the bunch to win stage two and take the leader’s yellow jersey after yesterday’s 153.3-kilometre stage from Darlington to Newcastle.

Today’s third stage sees the peloton travel the 153.8km through the Scottish Borders from Peebles to Gretna Green.