SOME of the world's best female cyclists will take in a host of Colchester's historic landmarks and north Essex countryside when they compete in the first stage of a prestigious road race.
The route for this year’s Women’s Tour Grand Départ, between Colchester and Bury St Edmunds, has been announced.
On Monday, June 6 the race will weave its way through Colchester and Manningtree before heading into Suffolk.
More than 100 of the world’s best riders will set off from the Colchester Sports Park at Northern Gateway.
The route takes in many of Colchester’s historic town centre landmarks – including the Jumbo Water Tower, Town Hall, Natural History Museum and Firstsite arts venue – in the opening kilometers.
Revealed - the route map from Colchester to Bury St Edmunds
The 88.2 mile route then heads south from Colchester to Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton, and back through Old Heath and Greenstead before heading towards Manningtree and over the River Stour.
Once into Suffolk riders will travel under the Orwell Bridge before heading northwest through the Babergh district.
Women's Tour cycling through Colchester borough in 2021. Picture: SWPix
The finish line on Angel Hill, in Bury St Edmunds, will be approached from the south via Lavenham.
Sue Lissimore, deputy leader of Colchester Council, said: “It’s great news that this year’s international event will see over 22 miles of racing through our town and villages.
"It gives residents and visitors to the region even more opportunities to come out and cheer on the riders and is such an exciting way to showcase our beautiful borough on the world’s stage.”
Italian rider Elena Cecchini (Team SD Worx) racing through Colchester borough in 2021. Picture: SWPix
The Women’s Tour will feature all 14 of the top division UCI Women’s World Teams this year with 18 teams and 108 riders competing in the race, the biggest field in the eight-year history of the tour.
The East of England Co-op has also been announced it is the principal Colchester Stage One sponsor.
Subsequent days of the race will include a first visit to Gloucester, with a route through the Forest of Dean between Tewkesbury and Gloucestershire, before two stages in Wales.
To discover the stage route visit womenstour.co.uk.
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