THE eyes of the world were on Essex as the Tour de France whizzed through the county - welcomed by a mass of noise, colour and excitement.

Here are some of the most memorable moments from the Tour. 

1. People started getting into the spirit of the event early, with many people camping out overnight or getting to their vantage spots early to secure the best place... 

Echo: John Daniels shows his patriotic side

2. Some people found creative ways to show their support for the best cyclists in the world... 

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3. Before the day even started, arty residents were showing their support... 

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4. Musicians entertained the waiting crowds as the carnival atmosphere built throughout the morning... 

Echo: David Warren from D'Ukes entertaining the crowds

5. People were sitting on each other’s shoulders, hanging out of their windows or clambering up scaffolding to catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous bike race...

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6. Before the elite riders raced through, there was the excitement of the ‘caravan’ driving along the route - a procession of extravagant sponsor vehicles giving out freebies such as fruit juice, frisbees and hats...

Echo: People mob the Fruit Shoot float as it travels through Finchingfield

7. As the riders left Cambridge, people were vying for the best position beside the route...

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8. Although some lucky people didn't even have to go outside... 

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9. Then they arrived and the riders were battling through Essex's picturesque streets...

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10. Then, in the blink of an eye and with the roar of the crowd behind them, they were gone and racing towards the London finish line... 

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...Where Marcel Kittel was victorious!

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