Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets as they waved flags and banners to welcome the world’s top cyclists to Sussex.

As the tour hurtled up and down the South Downs people came together over both a love of cycling and a sense of community.

While many may not have known their Wigginses from their Cavendishes people were out in force to enjoy the spectacle – lining their streets with their neighbours as they cheered the cyclists on.

An event which brought such a wide range of people together, as well as providing a healthy predicted £3 million cash injection into the economy is more than welcome.

With organisers promising the tour will return to the county in future many must now be waiting with anticipation for when they can see the athletes charging up Ditchling Beacon once again.

Brighton really is a perfect place for the tour’s stage finale – with so many people in the city who have embraced cycling and a perfect blend of hills and straights to test the cyclists’ skill.

While it is goodbye to the tour for now, it will certainly not be forgotten.