Historic day as Suffolk to host first two stages of Tour of Britain
It is another huge boost for the county just days after 90,000 people descended on Portman Road to watch Ed Sheeran perform his first ticketed Ipswich gigs since Chantry Park in 2019.
East Suffolk will host the first stage of the race for the first time since 2012 on Tuesday, September 2, with Woodbridge and Southwold named as the start and finish lines.
For the area it means the world's top male cyclists will head to the district for a third consecutive year, as it had the honour of hosting the final stage for the 2024 race.
Today's announcement also marks the debut of Woodbridge as a host venue for the event.
The cyclists on their way into Aldeburgh in 2024 (Image: SWpix.com) The exact route for the two stages will be published later this month, but the first stage will include passing through Wickham Market, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Halesworth, Bungay, and Beccles.
The second stage will start and finish in Stowmarket on Wednesday, September 3, and will be hosted by Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council.
Cyclists will take a route that will include Debenham and Eye in Mid Suffolk, and Sudbury and Hadleigh in Babergh.
The 2024 peloton departs Lowestoft in East Suffolk (Image: SWpix.com) Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, said: 'We are excited to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men back to East Suffolk for the third consecutive year, and to be hosting the opening stage.
"This is the UK's largest free-to-spectate live sporting event and directly benefits local businesses and communities.
"The Tour, and the community activities which accompany it, also help to promote the physical and mental health benefits of cycling to all ages and abilities and showcase East Suffolk as a cycle-friendly destination to a national audience.'
Matevz Govekarn, of Slovenia, won the final stage of the tour in 2024. (Image: SWpix.com) For two Suffolk towns, Southwold and Stowmarket, it will be the first time they have welcomed the men's tour.
Both places have hosted a finish of the women's race.
Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: 'We're delighted to be able to bring the Tour of Britain Men into the heart of Suffolk and look forward to welcoming some of the world's best riders.
"We already know from the Women's Tour that our towns and villages will be out in force to cheer them on.
'The race brings real excitement to the district, inspiring others to enjoy the benefits of cycling, as well as giving a real boost to our visitor economy.'
The sixth and final stage of the tour in 2024 took cyclists along many of Suffolk's rural roads (Image: Julie Kemp) John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council said: 'This is fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Babergh's beautiful landscapes, towns and villages to an international audience.
'We're also committed to providing opportunities to get involved in sports and physical activity and by hosting this international event showcasing prominent cyclists we hope to inspire the next generation of budding athletes right here in Suffolk.'
The cyclists had to negotiate their way through some of Suffolk's most beautiful villages. (Image: SWpix.com) Jonathan Day, managing director of British Cycling Events, said: 'Having finished the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women with some great racing and a fantastic festival of cycling in Glasgow, our attention is now on September and the return of the men's event.
"We are delighted to begin our announcements with the news that East Suffolk will host the opening stage, and two new venues – Woodbridge and Southwold – will appear on the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men's map.
"Then moving onto stage two and a huge thanks to our partners at Babergh and Mid Suffolk, which will see Stowmarket become the third new venue for the men's race, ensuring a fantastic opening two days in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
'Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing more exciting details about this year's race with fans and building up to what will be another incredible edition of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.'
Big crowds gathered on Market Hill in Framlingham to watch the cycling stars in 2024 (Image: SWpix.com)
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