Spectators were out early on Sunday to stake out the best positions

Ch Supt Alan Horton said there had been no arrests and the race had produced "a carnival atmosphere" throughout Kent.

About 1,700 constables, support officers, special constables and staff had been drafted in to look after crowd management and traffic duties.

Across Kent 1,300 road junctions were closed for the 189 "Le Tour" riders.

Ch Supt Horton said: "The Kent stage of the race was a spectacular event which attracted an excellent response from crowds of people who lined the entire route - it has all generated a wonderful carnival atmosphere in the county.

"Officers, police community support officers, specials and police staff have all worked really hard alongside several other key partner organisations to keep people safe while allowing them to enjoy this event to the full, as well as the celebrations that take place around the race."

It was the biggest operation the force had ever had to plan for and deliver in Kent Police's 150-year history, he added.