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Thousands of people lined the streets as the final stage of the Aviva Women’s Tour set off from Marlow today.

Almost 100 cyclists set off for the fifth stage of the cycling event from Marlow High Street at 10.45am as onlookers cheered and waved flags.

Among the crowds supporting the competitors at the start were former Town Mayor, Suzanne Brown, Bucks County Council leader Martin Tett and Cllr Mimi Harker.

Gold medal winning Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, and double Olympic Gold Medallist, Laura Trott were also at the start line.

Cycling fan Sarah Dickson had travelled from Thatcham to watch the riders set off across the Chilterns towards Hemel Hempstead.

She said: “My daughters love watching cycling events, they are veterans and have been all over Europe watching them. We don’t live very far away so we just had to come and watch. It’s fantastic.”

Marlow Riders, a group of 147 cyclists, lead out the competitors as they departed from the High Street.

Rod Woodland, Chair of the club, said: “To see our members riding out the peleton of the very best women riders in the world is a fantastic opportunity and shows the enthusiasm and popularity of our sport locally."

Mayor Bob Johnson told of his pride at Marlow playing host to the prestigious event.

He said: “I’m very proud. It’s a fantastic and extra special event and it’s been quite incredible watching the team set up this morning.

“As a town, we are delighted to have them here. It comes at the end of a busy week for Marlow, with the regatta last weekend. It’s phenomenal.”

Lance Slater, of the Rotary Club of Marlow, said: “I was amazed how many people were out watching and supporting, it was fantastic. We knew it was going to be a big event and there’s been a tremendous turnout.

“The weather has turned out to be absolutely perfect.

“Marlow deserves this and the people of Marlow deserve this. The town has done itself proud.”

After leaving Marlow, the cyclists made their way through Stokenchurch, Princes Risborough, Cryers Hill, Prestwood, Chesham, Berkhamsted and Tring before finishing up at Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead.

British cyclist Hannah Barnes, of United Women’s Healthcare, won the final stage with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 51 seconds.

The 22-year-old was also awarded the jersey for Best Young Rider and Best British Rider.

German cyclist Lisa Brennauer, of team Velocio-SRAM, was the overall winner with a time of 15 hours, 3 minutes and 24 seconds. 

Check the BFP website tomorrow for a full gallery of pictures from today's event.