WITH Union Jack flags flying proudly and the sun shining, some of the world's best cyclists whizzed through the streets of Okehampton during the Devon stage of the Tour of Britain. The fifth stage of this year's Tour was the eighth consecutive year that Britain's biggest cycling race has come through Devon, with the stage starting in Exmouth. Crowds of people lined the streets of Okehampton to cheer on the likes of British sporting icon Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel as they raced down New Street into the town centre, and out towards Brightley and Sampford Courtenay. As anticipation reached fever pitch, a breakaway group of four riders led the charge into Okehampton — Matthias Brandle of IAM Cycling, Maarten Wynants of Belkin Pro Cycling Team, Andreas Stauff of MTN-Qhubeka, and Shane Archbold of An Post Chainreaction. Moments later, the main peloton of riders, including the likes of Wiggins, shot through town in an impressive display. Commentating on the action from the balcony of the White Hart were Mike Rice of Okehampton Cycle Club, Richard Appleby of Richard's Time Machine and Darren Bostock of Okehampton Cycles. Darren said: 'Events like this are great for the town, and it is great to see so many people out watching these guys come through. 'It is really exciting, and a great day for Okehampton.' Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: 'Year after year people across Devon have turned out in their droves to support this event and they have done themselves proud again today. 'It has been excellent to see such impressive crowds across the county again and hopefully we may have matched last year's record of 250,000 spectators.'