A HIGH profile cycle race which set off from Colchester helped plough more than £1million back into the community.

The city played host to stage one of The Women’s Tour back in June.

Riders set off from the sports park at Northern Gateway before racing through the city centre, Layer-de-la-Haye, Abberton, Old Heath and Greenstead.

Racers then headed on to Manningtree before finishing in Bury St Edmunds.

A report by race organisers, Sweetspot, has revealed the series helped bring in £1million with people staying to spend money across the course.

The ‘2022 Women’s Tour Economic Impact Report’, based on findings from a web-based survey of 527 Women’s Tour spectators, revealed more than 45,500 spectators lined the 88-mile route on the day.

Of these 15,000 were from outside the area but 80 per cent said they would return.

The local hospitality industry also benefited with 8,000 attendees enjoying overnight stays and spending on average £138.80.

The one-hour TV Highlights programme shown on ITV4 and Eurosport generated a combined audience of 460,500, showcasing the region to a global audience.

Adam Fox, deputy leader of Colchester Council, welcomed the news.

He said: “The Women’s Tour was a fantastic way to showcase Colchester on the world stage. Now we have the proof that it also delivered a major boost to the local economy.

“This year, we saw more residents and visitors than ever come along to cheer on the riders as they raced through our towns and villages.

“That means money spent in local businesses and delivering jobs and prosperity for our area. Hosting the grand gepart from our new sports park allowed us to showcase this wonderful facility and inspire even more people, of all ages and abilities, to keep healthy and active.”