On Tuesday, June 2, some of Britain’s top domestic cyclists visited Croydon for round seven of this year’s Tour Series.

The headline men’s race saw some frenetic racing as the technical course shredded the peloton to pieces and ended with just five riders contesting the final three laps, after all the other riders were lapped and forced to retire.

In the end, Marcin Bialoblocki and Charline Joiner came out on top in the men’s and women’s races, but before it all kicked off we had a look behind the scenes as the race visited South London, not far from the Cycling Weekly offices.

Our photographer, Chris Catchpole, headed up the road to record the build up to the races, and watch the women’s race unfold.

This exclusive gallery gives people a glimpse into the logistics and preparations of such an event, which they might not normally get to see.

Inside the Team Wiggins mechanics’ truck 

An unattended Raleigh team bike 

Wiggle-Honda‘s Anna Christian warms up before the Matrix GP

A long way from the course

A unique opportunity to ride against Croydon’s one way system 

There may have been more than twelve angry men after only five made the winning split 

Warming up for the women’s Grand Prix 

An uninterested pass-by 

Olympic inspiration? 

There were many admiring glances for the bike tech on show 

A sunny day in Croydon 

Rolling to the start 

Warming up away from the circuit 

The men’s teams begin to assemble 

Hanging out to dry 

Madison-Genesis’s sizeable team bus 

Warming up longer than teammates 

Final lap before the start 

The women’s GP rolls round on the neutral lap 

Away from the other spectators for a glimpse of the action 

The crowds soon grew for the Tour Series