THE medieval village of Rayne came alive with the buzz of Tour de France excitement as the world's best cyclists sped through its scenic countryside.
After months of build-up and anticipation the wait was finally over and families, young and old waved flags, put out bunting and cheered from the roadside as the Peloton came into view.
Some gathered along New Road and Shalford Road from as early as 8am to as the tension grew and the crowds jostled for position.
Many people in the crowd had come from across Braintree and Rayne, but some came from as far afield as New Zealand, Canada, Norway and Denmark.
Cllr Ron Ramage, of Braintree Central ward was one of over 10,000 tour maker volunteer who helped give people directions and assistance to the public.
"It's great to be a part of the event, help people if they need advice. We're trying to do the same thing as the Olympic Ambassadors in 2012," he said.
Those that could not get a front row seat were able to still watch the action on a big screen in on Rayne Cricket Club's field.
A café with food stalls and make-shift bars were set up outside the Rayne Village Hall as hundreds sat on the grass and watched the bikes as they raced through the rest of Essex.
"It was excellent, well-organised, it's been great, with lots of things going on around the area. It's a good thing for the village and the county," said Russ Bartlett, 44, from Great Notley, who was there with his family.
There was also plenty of other festivities for all the family to enjoy with music on the day the Tour at The Booking Hall Café.
The mix of local artists that performed included Paolo Morena, jazz artist Digby Fairweather Premier Trio, X Factor stars Next of Kin and blues guitarist Ramon Goose.
The peloton left Cambridge just after midday, crossing the Essex border at Saffron Walden, through Finchingfield, then Wethersfied, before arriving in Rayne at around 1.45pm, before heading on to Felsted and Great Waltham.
