Pupils from King Edward VI Academy (KEVI) in Spilsby have spoken of their amazement at seeing the speed of the cyclists in the Tour of Britain Men’s Race.

Staff and students from Years 7 and 11 cheered the cyclists on with union flags, as the pelaton passed by the main road in front of the school.

Having begun stage two of the race in Boston earlier that morning, the cyclists followed a route around Lincolnshire and into the Wolds before heading back down towards Skegness, passing through Spilsby at around 2pm. The local community lined the roads, rang church bells and cheered for the cyclists, support staff and police accompanying the event.

The spectacle inspired pupils at the school to put the experience into words. Spilsby Town Council also donated 30 cow bells to the school, which were awarded as prizes to students who wrote about the event.

KEVI pupils and staff cheer on the Tour of Britain cyclists as they passed through Spilsby. Inset: the cow bells awarded to pupils who were inspired to write about the experience.

placeholder image — KEVI pupils and staff cheer on the Tour of Britain cyclists as they passed through Spilsby. Inset: the cow bells awarded to pupils who were inspired to write about the experience.

"As we were all standing there was a great atmosphere and the police bikes and support cars kept beeping to add to the excitement,” student Amelia said. “The bikes went zooming down the road with all their multicoloured shirts. It was amazing to see them go so fast and to hear all the people in our town supporting them. I found this really fun to watch with my new friends and couldn't believe that bikes went so fast!"

Pupil Ronnie commented: "This is the first time the race has come through Spilsby since it began after WW2. The horns of the cars were very musical and the bikes were rapid, turning as one, like a school of fish! I cheered and waved my flag. There were a couple of bikes behind but they showed resilience, which was inspiring."

Student Luke added: "I hadn't heard of the Tour of Britain before but it was interesting to learn about it – and it was an event I will remember."

Mark Wilkinson, Principal of KEVI, which is part of the David Ross Education Trust, said: “I am delighted for our new Year 7s to be able to cheer on some amazing athletes as they take part in a tough race. It was very exciting for our new joiners to witness a piece of history at school and join the community in supporting this event.”