OLYMPIC cycling hero Bradley Wiggins was cheered by crowds of fans as he raced through East Lancashire.
Wiggins, who is fresh from winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the Athens Olympics, joined almost 100 of the world's best professional cyclists for the first day of the Tour of Britain race.
The athletes, including three team mates of Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong from the US Postal team, faced a gruelling day of cycling, from Manchester, through East Lancashire and back to Manchester. Spectators lined the track as the riders jostled for the coveted yellow jersey, speeding through 120 miles of countryside, taking in Haslingden, Accrington, Sabden, Nick O' Pendle, Clitheroe, Longridge, Chorley and Belmont.
The five-day race will continue through Yorkshire, before heading to the East Midlands, Wales and London.
Tour of Britain Event Director, Tony Doyle MBE, said: "Having so many quality riders from the top teams in the world is a tremendous boost for the tour of Britain and it should excite all sports fans."
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