Officially a shit small race - Andre Greipel's presence confirmed it - the Tour of Britain finished last weekend with circuit race in the "Olympic borough" of Newham. Not the most scenic of places but on a sunny day there was a reasonable crowd out around the start finish even if the rest of the course was deserted.

Thanks to a friend I had a ticket to the VIP area: free food and drink, the best view in the house and the opportunity to hobnob with celebs (Phil Liggett, Hugh Porter, erm, Dean Downing, and possibly Paul Smith - not that I hobnobbed as my attention was focussed on the beer). It also meant some good photos I thought I'd share...

Mark Renshaw at the start

Kristian House

Andre Greipel and Ed Clancy

Matt Hayman and Rusell Downing

Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins

Travis Meyer

Jaroslaw Marycz (?)

For Jens - one of the podium girls

Irish champ Matt Brammeir attacking on the first lap

Team Sky chasing

Yellow jersey Michael Albasini working for Andre Greipel

Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas having a chat - any guesses what about?

The Gorilla wins the stage

Bouquet for the stage winner

Intermediate sprints jersey winner Michael Golas

King of the hills Johnny Hoogerland

Points jersey winner Greg Henderson

Yellow Jersey Michael Albasini

All the jerseys (less Johnny Hoogerland)

Champagne time