Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Warwick today (August 7) as the town hosted the two Commonwealth Games Cycling Road Races.

Starting at 8am, the women's race saw competitors complete seven laps of a 16km course.

After the 112km of racing the gold medal was won by Georgia Baker of Australia, with silver and bronze going to Neah Evans of Scotland and Sarah Roy of Australia respectively.

And even with the early start, the streets were packed, with the crowds cheering on the riders each time they passed.

England's highest placed rider was Alice Barnes in tenth.

Georgia Baker - third on the road - won the gold for Australia (image by Richard Smith)

The women's race kicked the day off as riders covered 112km (image by Richard Smith)

At 12.30pm the men's race began with a group of 15 quickly establishing itself off the front of the race.

Containing three Englishmen and 2014 gold medalist Geraint Thomas, the group stayed away for all ten laps of the course.

And with multiple attacks coming from various riders over the final two laps of the 160km route, Aaron Gate crossed the line first to claim the gold for New Zealand.

Adding to his track golds in the team pursuit, individual pursuit and points race, Gate has now stood on top of the podium four times at Birmingham 2022.

The men's race was lively from the start with a group of 15 getting off the front during the second lap (image by Richard Smith)

The men completed 10 laps of a 16km route around Warwick (image by Richard Smith)

He was followed by veteran rider Daryl Impey of South Africa and Finn Crockett claiming bronze for Scotland.

England's trio of time-trial silver medallist Fred Wright, Ben Turner and Sam Watson were all in the mix as the race entered its final kilometre but were caught out in the sprint finish.

Local lad Jake Stewart also impressed during the race.

Not quite able to bridge over to the group of 15 on the front, the 22-year-old Groupama-FDJ rider from Coventry spent much of the race in a bunch of five chasers - the second group on the road.

Coventry's Jake Stewart represented Team England at today's road race (image by Richard Smith)

Stewart spent much of the race in a group of five chasers trying to get back onto the leaders' group (image by Richard Smith)

Speaking after the race Cllr Andrew Day, leader of Warwick District Council praised the number of spectators lining today's course.

"Warwick have turned out, young and old, to once again support world class cycling and have been treated with some superb road racing," he said.

"What an exciting day we've had witnessing amazing performances, which will no doubt inspire the next generations of cycling champions.

"The faces of our visitors beaming as they joined the events we've hosted across Warwick district, reflect not only the years of preparation, but the warm welcome given by hundreds of wonderful local volunteers."

The leaders of the county and district councils have praised the crowds at today's races (image by Richard Smith)

It was an early start today with the women's race getting underway at 8am (image by Richard Smith)

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, added: "What a fantastic day for Warwickshire!

"We've been treated to a magnificent day of action and excitement thanks to all the competitors and spectators.

"Once again, Warwickshire has shown that it is the go-to county for hosting world class cycling events after the success in recent years of the Women's Tours and the Tour of Britain.

"We have again made the most of the opportunity to showcase everything the area has to offer to an international audience.

"With millions watching on television around the world, the event has also been a huge boost to our international recognition."

Race favourite Mark Cavendish - pictured second - was stuck in the peloton for all 160km (image by Richard Smith)

Geraint Thomas attacked with 1.7km to go but could not hold on for the line (image by Richard Smith)

The last two laps of the men's race saw the leaders constantly attack each other (image by Richard Smith)

The group of favourites flash past Priory Medical Centre on lap three (image by Richard Smith)