THE greatest women cyclists on the planet will whizz through the streets of Colchester next month as part of an exhilarating road race considered the biggest in the world.
The Women’s Tour, which is Britain’s leading UCI Women’s WorldTour event, will begin in Colchester on June 6 before concluding five days later.
It will see a total of 108 professional bikers from 18 different teams go head-to-head and wheel-to-wheel as they hunt down one of cycling’s most revered prizes.
Setting off from Colchester Sports Park, in Cuckoo Farm Way at 11am, the pack of pedal-pushing athletes will travel through the town before heading to Layer-de-la-Haye.
They will then make their way on to Langenhoe and Fingringhoe before biking through Rowhedge, Hythe, Greenstead and Ardleigh.
The cyclists will then venture out of Colchester and into Manningtree before heading to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where the stage will finish.
As a result of the way the route is set-out, the event will take in many of Colchester’s most historic landmarks, including the Jumbo Water Tower and Colchester Castle.
Road closures will, therefore, also be in place to ensure the safety of the cyclists and those watching the event.
Pamela Donnelly, chief executive at Colchester Council said: “We’re counting down the days until this spectacular, international event returns to Colchester.
“This year there’s even more opportunities for residents, visitors, schools, and businesses to cheer on the riders with more than 20 miles of racing in the borough.
“Keeping active is so vital to our physical and mental wellbeing, so this is a great opportunity to gain inspiration from some of the world’s most elite sports women.”
The first stage, supported by the East of England Co-op, will be launched by the deputy mayor and deputy mayoress Tim Young and Nicola Goodchild, who will wave a flag to begin the race.
From 9.30am, however, spectators will also be able to witness the riders warming up around a one-mile track while browsing a range of stalls and enjoying food and drink.
Mick Bennett, race director of the Women’s Tour said: “We are delighted to be returning to Colchester for the start of this year’s Women’s Tour.
“This year’s route will again take us through the heart of the historic town centre to bring the race and these world-class athletes to people - we can’t wait to get going.”
To find out more information visit colchester.gov.uk or womenstour.co.uk.
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