Brentford's gift to cyclists across the globe was celebrated in sartorial style at the ninth annual Brompton World Championship.
Suits, bow ties and even a top hat replaced Lycra as more than 600 people indulged their passion for the folding bikes at Goodwood's race track over the weekend.
They may be made in Brentford, at a factory in the Great West Road, but they are pedalled around the globe and the contest held on Saturday (July 26) and Sunday demonstrated people's fondness for the practical but fun vehicles.
While some riders took to their bikes suited and booted for the series of races, others came dressed as zombies or wearing knitted bicycle hats (over the obligatory cycle helmet, of course).
In a throwback to the early days of Formula One, contestants had to race to their bikes, before (in scenes less reminiscent of motor racing) unfolding them and speeding off.
The main event was the 15km race, which was won by Mark Elmsley, with Manuela De Luvis being crowned the fastest female.
Cyclists from more than 30 countries also competed at distances ranging from a 500m sprint to a 26km meander through the Sussex countryside, not to forget the fiercely fought contest to be named best dressed.
The winners of all 16 annual Brompton national championships around the world were invited to represent their countries and the international contingent included Swiss rider Thomas Ernst, who cycled all the way from Zurich to take part.
Will Butler-Adams, managing director of Brompton Bicyle, didn't merely watch as events unfolded. He took part, finishing the main race in a personal best of 64th place.
"Life is too short not to listen to live jazz, enjoy a G&T in the sunshine and whizz round the historic Goodwood race track on your Brompton (in a jacket & tie!)," he said.
"Cycling is fun, it imbues a great sense of freedom and is the solution to urban transport. The Brompton takes that a step further with the convenience of the fold, meaning that it disappears in the city and will take you on adventure beyond. The 9th BWC is behind us and we are already getting excited about the 10th!"
