Exhaust fumes were replaced with pedal power as cyclists took over Norwich city centre for the British Cycling Championship.

Eastern Daily Press: The start of the British Cycling Festival men's elite race at City Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe start of the British Cycling Festival men's elite race at City Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

The Great British Cycling Festival has been hosting the HSBC UK National Road Championships in 2019, which involves elite races, a 100-mile sportive and a family cycle around Norwich.

It saw several roads closed in Norwich city centre and across Norfolk, and by 9am when the elite riders took off barely a car could be seen.

After the professional riders set off from outside City Hall, amateur's taking on a 100 mile sportive were send out in waves from around 9.30am.

Today there is also Let's Ride Norwich, a free, family cycling event from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists wait their turn to start the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCyclists wait their turn to start the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Chris Keen, from Hellesdon, rides with cycling club The Yorkies, based out of the Eagle pub on Newmarket Road.

He was there to cheer on his team mates in the 100 mile sportive, and catch a glimpse of professionals including Mark Cavendish compete in the elite race.

"We wanted to watch the pros leave and there are some guys from the club doing the 100 mile so I am here to cheer them on," he said.

"I wanted to race but with two young children I couldn't do it this year. I haven't got 100 miles in my legs at the moment.

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists taking part in the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCyclists taking part in the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

"You don't really get the chance to see guys of the calibre of [Mark Cavendish] and to see them in Norwich is something quite unique," he said.

"We have been looking forward to this for a few weeks."

Mr Keen, 46, and his daughter did bring their bikes so they could take a tour of the city centre while the roads were closed.

Tammy Purnell, 40, and her daughter Maya, 12, also took to two wheels to take advantage of free rein of the city.

Eastern Daily Press: Spectators watch the cyclists taking part in the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSpectators watch the cyclists taking part in the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

They had come from Horning to take part in Let's Ride.

"It is just a bit of fun for us," she said. "We like cycling and just wanted to come to support it.

"For them to close the roads in Norwich is quite unusual and it is a really nice chance to look around Norwich. It is amazing and such a great opportunity."

Road closures are expected to start lifting from 6pm when the women's elite races is likely to finish.

Eastern Daily Press: The start of the British Cycling Festival men's elite race at City Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe start of the British Cycling Festival men's elite race at City Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through the slalom at the start at City Hall of the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCyclists make their way through the slalom at the start at City Hall of the British Cycling Festival 100 mile sportive. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Eastern Daily Press: Riders make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championship Picture: Robert WalkleyRiders make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championship Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Riders make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championship Picture: Robert WalkleyRiders make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championship Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert WalkleyCyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert WalkleyCyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert WalkleyCyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert WalkleyCyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert WalkleyCyclists make their way through Sheringham during the British Cycling National Road Championships Picture: Robert Walkley (Image: Archant)