Tour of Britain races into Newham

Almost one hundred cyclists hurtled along at speeds of up to 50mph around a 12km circuit which started outside Newham Dockside in Beckton.

The race was won by Andre Greipel, of Team HTC Columbia in 1 hour 57 mins 07 secs and overall stage winner was Michael Albasini, also of Team HTC - Columbia.

Prior to the professionals' race, residents joined the BBC EastEnders' star Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman, to cycle most of the route themselves as part of The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride.

Young Mayor Kaycee de Belen also took part alongside hundreds of Newham residents.
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "The event was a huge success and it was great to see so many stars from the world of cycling rolling into the borough.

"Newham is already the first choice for a number of top sports competitions and, as the main host borough for the Olympics, will welcome athletes from all over the world in 2012. We want to use these sporting events to inspire our residents to lead more active and healthier lives. It was good to see so many of them supporting the professional cyclists and also getting on their bikes to take part in the tour ride."

The race itself, which in the past has uncovered stars such as future Olympic hopeful and Tour de France competitor Mark Cavendish, snaked around Royal Albert Dock, with participants taking in sights including the ExCeL Exhibition Centre and the O2.

The Transport for London (TfL) route then ran along the Lower Lea Crossing before heading back towards London City Airport and the finishing line.

The race was accompanied by the Newham London Waterfront Festival, a fantastic celebration of fine food, music and entertainment which was organised by Newham Council and attended by 17,000 people.

The festival at Royal Victoria Dock by ExCel combined the finest local foods as well as a live music line up fresh from the stages of Glastonbury.

It included some of the best international street theatre performers, including stilt walking pirates and breathtaking juggling.

Food lovers feasted on fresh salmon from nearby Billingsgate Market, as well as cheeses from the South West, sizzling sausages from the Lake District and crusty baked bread and pastries from Borough Market.

There was also traditional East End pie and mash, delicious ice cream and some of the best vegetarian food in London.

Music maestros Swing Zazou and Los Albertos were among the bands performing during the day and residents were given the chance to get into the swing by jiving along to 1930s jumping jazz and folk tunes.

A dazzling fireworks display over the water and the Royal Victoria Dock footbridge ended the festival.