THE Tour of Britain will not return to Colchester this year.
Organisers behind the international cycle race said they wanted to give other towns a chance to host one of the eight stages.
Talks are still ongoing as to whether the town will stage the Tour Series, as it did in 2009.
Peter Hodgson, a spokes-man for the Tour of Britain and the Tour Series, said: “We were really happy with Colchester last year. It had a great uphill finish and the crowds were brilliant.
“However, we only have eight stages and there are many other areas around the country who want the race to come to them. We try to vary it, so it won’t be returning to Colchester this year.”
It is estimated that last year’s event boosted the local economy by about £1million.
Colchester Council leader Anne Turrell said: “It is a shame. We would welcome the Tour or the Tour Series back.
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