THE mayor of Colchester said he hopes a prestigious cycling event will return to the city next year after its “remarkable” success.

Cyclists powered up East Hill to conclude the first of the RideLondon Classique race’s three stages on Friday at the end of High Street.

The gruelling 146.4km race took the all-female competitors across the county from Saffron Walden to Colchester where a bustling crowd cheered them across the finish line.

Dutch professional cyclist Charlotte Kool was handed the winner’s jersey on the podium in front of the stunning backdrop of Colchester Castle after securing first place.

Gazette: Loving it - Colchester mayor and mayoress John and Susan JowersLoving it - Colchester mayor and mayoress John and Susan Jowers (Image: Newsquest)

 

Joining her onstage was Colchester mayor John Jowers, who told the Gazette he was “absolutely amazed” by the efforts of all involved.

He joked: “I can’t believe these young women are less tired than I am going up three steps, and they’ve done two-and-a-half hours – it is incredible.”

The mayor seized the moment to call on the event’s organisers to bring it back to Colchester next year.

“We have never really had the recognition for what we’ve got, it’s a hell of a city,” he added.

“I mean what a place. Look at where we are in front of the castle, in front of Hollytrees.”

Mr Jowers, who received the mayoral chains from predecessor Tim Young on Wednesday, heaped praise on the Colchester residents who came out in force.

“We’re up for anything here. These people are supportive, curious and quite proud actually of who we are,” he said.

“It cheers me, it’s an optimism which goes against the grain of the national mood and it is good fun.

Gazette: Crowd - supporters watch on in East HillCrowd - supporters watch on in East Hill (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Watching on - Ken Campbell cycled from Wormingford to Colchester to watch the race's conclusionWatching on - Ken Campbell cycled from Wormingford to Colchester to watch the race's conclusion (Image: Newsquest)

“Whoever organised it deserves a hell of a lot of praise. I say let’s keep it going, let’s get it next year.

“I think events like this highlight what Colchester is all about.”

More than 1,000 people lined East Hill throughout Friday afternoon as they watched on under the baking sun.

Among them was cyclist Ken Campbell, from Little Maplestead, who said: “It is a great event and so nice to see so many people.”