INTERNATIONAL cycling greats raced through mid Cheshire on Monday morning, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds who came from near and far to line the route.

Stage Two of the Friends Life Tour of Britain saw the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish race through Dutton, Bartington, Acton Bridge, Crowton and Kingsley on their 201km way from Knowsley to Llandudno.

In mid Cheshire the crowds were at their deepest on The Cliff, in Acton Bridge, with pupils from Weaverham High School watching the spectacle alongside north west cycling clubs, residents and visitors.

Speaking on The Cliff Northwich town councillor Janet Illidge said: "I think it's wonderful that the Tour of Britain should be coming so close to our wonderful town of Northwich and that so many people have turned out to support them and urge them on."

Rebecca Cooper cycled from Davenham to watch the race.

She said: "There were so many people on their bikes on the way here and that was great to see."

Schoolchildren from Crowton Christ Church CE School came outside to watch and regulars from The Horseshoe pub, in Kingsley, ate breakfast and viewed the race from the comfort of the pub's roadside marquee.

There was some pre-race drama at the top of The Cliff as one of the police motorcycle outriders slipped on oil on the road and came off his bike.

He was uninjured and soon back on the road while marshals quickly marked the area to keep the cyclists safe.

Andy Wood, a member of Weaver Valley Cycling Club and organiser of the club's Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race, which also uses The Cliff, said: "It was great to see so many people out – Northwich did us proud.

"If you enjoyed what you saw today and liked the razzmatazz and atmosphere then come back for the Cheshire Classic on April 25."

The stage was won by Australian Mark Renshaw, riding for Omega Pharma Quick-step.