Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stevenage Old Town yesterday to watch professional cyclists race – while some even tried out the 1km course for themselves.

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018. Trying out the 1km course before the professional racing. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018. Trying out the 1km course before the professional racing. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The OVO Energy Tour Series returned to the town for the third consecutive year, with two races involving female and then male cyclists preceded by a time trial.

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018. A dad and daughter working in tandem. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018. A dad and daughter working in tandem. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

But for about 300 cycling enthusiasts the highlight was the community ride before, when the public had the chance to try the circuit which started and finished in the High Street.

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018. Stanley and Joseph Wilkinson were all smiles. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018. Stanley and Joseph Wilkinson were all smiles. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

Councillor Richard Henry, executive member for children, young people and leisure at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “We were really pleased with the level of support this brilliant event received, with hundreds of spectators turning up to cheer on the riders and enjoy the sunshine.

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Big crowds turned out in Stevenage Old Town. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Big crowds turned out in Stevenage Old Town. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“It was particularly heart-warming to see the people of Stevenage, of all ages, come together for the community ride which I believe had 300 entrants. I would like to thank everybody involved for making the event such a fantastic success.”

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018. Riders of all ages took part. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018. Riders of all ages took part. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Tour Series kicked off Stevenage Cycling Festival, which runs throughout June and July. For more information visit www.stevenage.gov.uk/52710/cycling-festival.

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Six-year-old Ash Lacey with brother Finn, eight. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Six-year-old Ash Lacey with brother Finn, eight. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Lucy Smith, eight, and sister Holly, 11, enjoying the bike race day. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Lucy Smith, eight, and sister Holly, 11, enjoying the bike race day. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018. The community ride in High Street. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018. The community ride in High Street. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Taking part in the community ride prior to the professional racing. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Taking part in the community ride prior to the professional racing. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Elsa Giazzi, 7, Bethwyn Cotton, 7, and Seven Cotton, 5, ready to start the bike race. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Elsa Giazzi, 7, Bethwyn Cotton, 7, and Seven Cotton, 5, ready to start the bike race. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage Tour Series 2018: Three-year-old Jack Paterson on his bike. Picture: Karyn HaddonStevenage Tour Series 2018: Three-year-old Jack Paterson on his bike. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)