Crowds of people lined the streets of Suffolk as stage one of Britain's most prestigious women's cycling race weaved its way across the county.
The Women's Tour 2022 cycling race set off from Colchester's Northern Gateway Sports Park on Monday morning and travelled through Brantham, Hadleigh, Needham Market and Stowmarket on its way to finishing in Bury St Edmunds.
However, spectators who gathered on Bury's Angel Hill for the conclusion of the 142.1km-long opening stage had to be patient after the race was temporarily suspended to allow medical teams to attend an incident ahead of the riders.
Around 2.50pm, a police motorcyclist and another vehicle crashed on the B1115 at Hitcham, and the officer was taken to hospital for treatment on a leg injury.
The race got back underway around 3.15pm and riders arrived in Bury shortly after 4pm – around an hour later than expected.
But the delay, and the miserable weather, did little to deter the enthusiastic crowd, who were treated to a thumping musical soundtrack as they waited.
There was also a hive of activity in Abbey Gardens, with a big screen showing the race live, and several stalls for cycling enthusiasts.
It was the third time Bury has welcomed the Women's Tour to the town.
French rider Clara Copponi won the stage, the first of her road racing career, followed by Italian Sofia Bertizzolo in second place, with Elena Cecchini, also from Italy, finishing third.
Stage two of the race will start and finish in Harlow, Essex, on Tuesday.
Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Bury St Edmunds was able to host the finish of the Women's Tour stage once again, and although the weather was a bit inclement initially, the later than planned finish actually allowed more people to come out and enjoy the drier weather.
"The opportunity for Bury St Edmunds to be publicised through the live coverage of the event was great and really put the town on the map.
"I'm sure I speak for all the town businesses when I say it was a great boost for everyone and I hope they come back again."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here