Cycling fans out in force to cheer on their heroes in Mid Wales

The Tour of Britain cycle race Stage Five began in Machynlleth yesterday with people lining the streets as the cyclists began a 110-mile route through Llanidloes and Rhayader before finishing in Caerphilly.

The duo signed autographs for fans as they left their respective team buses before making their way to Maengwyn Street, where the race began. One of the biggest cheers though was reserved for another of the top British cyclists, Yanto Barker, who was born in Machynlleth.

He said: "It is great to be here in Machynlleth,the town of my birth and I have to say the weather is exactly how I remembered it.

"It is fantastic to see so many people turning out to cheer us all on despite the weather and it is great such a big event can come to the town."

Sir Bradley, who leads the race overall, said it was "superb" to see so many people turning out despite the rain.

Up to 1,000 people watched County Councillors Peter Lewis and Roache Davies wave the starting flag.

Architect Arwel Owen, 32, from Machynlleth, said: "I have been waiting for today for such a long time now and I am so excited to see Cav and Wiggo in my home town.

"I was on the street ready at 9am and just seeing the bikes these guys use was worth me booking the day off, even though I am more of a mountain bike man.

"The town has been buzzing. I am pleased to see it, the town deserves something like this."

Landlady of the Red Lion pub in Maengwyn Street, Claire Owen, 31, said she had opened two hours early.

She said: "The town was packed, but the weather did put a dampener on things - literally.

"But everyone was reporting good business and there were people from as far away as Suffolk who were on holiday elsewhere in Mid Wales who called in, so it has really drawn the tourists in to Machynlleth."