Thousands of people braved the threat of thunderstorms and torrential rain to swarm into the town centre last night as Croydon caught cycling fever.

Elite riders whizzed through streets lined with spectators as the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and Women's Matrix Grand Prix brought world-class bike races to the borough for the second year.

Riders sped past the Town Hall, Clocktower, Surrey Street Market, and Queen’s Gardens in the 1.3km race, the only London leg of the race this year.

The professional action followed an array of activities involving schoolchildren and charity rides.

Restaurants and pubs around the course did a roaring trade, while musical entertainment was provided between the cycle races.

Cllr Tim Godfrey, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “It shows that the town centre is open for business.

"Cycling is for everybody, as a spectator or a user. It is a good opportunity to showcase a sport that is a bit different.

"There are a lot more people here than last year so it just shows people will come if you put these events on."

Council leader Tony Newman said: “It’s fantastic to see such a huge turnout despite the bad weather.

“And it’s brilliant to see world class sportsmen and sportswomen racing through the streets of Croydon.”

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The wet weather held off for the thousands of spectators in Croydon town centre.

Last year about 12,000 spectators turned out to watch the event, dubbed “Croydon carnage” by pundits because of the number of crashes and falls.

Deb Garbutt, 55, of South Norwood, was among those who watched this year’s race.

She said: "It’s a brilliant event. It brings people together and shows them that cycling is something everyone can do.”

Former semi-pro cyclist Oivind Reklev, 50, of Barclay Road, said: “I think it's fantastic to have cycling in Croydon.

"There isn't enough going in here and as a massive cycling fan I wouldn't miss it for the world.

"There are so many young, talented British cyclists it's unbelievable and to see them here is very exciting."

Matthew Sims, chief executive of Croydon Business Improvement District, took part in the charity ride before the race started.

He said: “Croydon has such a wonderful community so to support it like this is pretty special.

“The uphill and downhill parts made it quite different, it was a bit tough on the legs but I really enjoyed it.”

The Croydon leg of the tour was the penultimate stage, with the winners being crowned after the final races in Portsmouth on Thursday.

The Maddison Genesis team picked up their second win of the season, closing the gap on the JLT Condor team ahead of the finals.

Jon Mould took out the top spot on the podium in his sixth Pearl Izumi series.

In the women’s round the Drops Cycling team continued their run of good form sprinting in first place in the Croydon round.

Grace Garner pedalled her way to her first ever win in the series.

For a full list of results visit tourseries.co.uk.