As the riders made their way up steep Lawrence Street, they were greeted with the cheers thousands of spectators and a cacophony of cowbells.
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Much of the city came to a standstill on Sunday for the Launceston Cycling Festival, with more than 150 competitors taking part across the cycling and running events.
Centred around picturesque City Park, the surrounding streets were closed to anyone not riding on two wheels.
Cycling Tasmania executive officer Collin Burns said the world-class event was great for the state.
"This event started in 2002, so we've nearly been running for 20 years," he said.
"When it first started they specifically went and got Tour de France riders. There were the five Australian riders who had rode the previous year and they brought them down here to immediately build the profile of the event.
"You can't do this in Melbourne or Sydney. You can't be shutting a whole block for a day for a big street party with bike racing."
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Mr Burns said the event had earned a reputation has having a "good crit" and being a big party.
"Most of the professional riders have been here for a week [for the Tour of Tasmania] and this is their last day," he said.
"They've done their professional tour, they've done a fun [criterium], hopefully they win a bit of money and have a great day."
The party-like atmosphere of the festival was aided by the excitement of the crowds and more importantly the loud dinging of cowbells.
"It's a bit of a Euro thing," he said. "It creates some noise and excitement on the hill, a good atmosphere."
The prize pool of about $20,000 was a major drawcard for competitors, with equal prize money awarded to both men and women.
"We had the national road champion here, Sarah Gigante, and the national criterium champion Brenton Jones here too, so two of the best riders in Australia here. Plus, our own pro-rider Nathan Earle," Mr Burns said.
"We've got our juniors involved, the women involved, the masters, the elite riders. And with the Tour of Tasmania [earlier in the week], it makes it so sustainable.
"It's really great for Launceston. Hobart have tried, but they can't do it. Launceston and the North is the home of cycling in Tassie."
City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the festival was a perfect event with large economic benefits for the city.
The event was live streamed online, with last year's race exceeding 25,000 viewers from across the globe.
- Read more, Page 28-29