Colchester and Clacton to host Women's Tour stage
It's the first time the major cycle race will feature Colchester
Colchester and Clacton will host the penultimate stage of the Women's Tour.
Organisers of the race, SweetSpot Group, have made the announcement to coincide with International Women's Day (8 March).
It will be the first time Colchester welcomes the Women's Tour and the route will showcase the new Northern Gateway Sports Park.
The world's top cyclists are expected to race from the historic town to the coast on 8 October, but organisers are still awaiting confirmation.
Clacton isn't shy of the major event after hosting the race in 2014 and 2015, with over £1.3 million generated for the local economy in the latter year.
Councillor Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: "As a keen cyclist I am delighted with our success in attracting such a high-profile, global event to Colchester.
"As well as giving the town a huge commercial boost, it will no doubt inspire people of every age and ability to get on their bikes and enjoy the cycle lanes and open spaces in and around our borough."
Councillor Alex Porter, Tendring District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "It is always a pleasure to have the Women’s Tour come to the Essex Sunshine Coast, and with our beautiful countryside and coastline we can provide a stunning backdrop for this top cycling race.
"There is an incredible atmosphere along the route, especially at the finish line, and I am really looking forward to having the race come back to Clacton – particularly in the town’s 150th anniversary year, when there is so much going on."
Mike Bennett, Women's Tour race director, added: "Colchester and Clacton both have a long history with SweetSpot’s events, so we’re delighted to be visiting them again on the penultimate day of this year’s Women’s Tour.
"Clacton and Tendring District Council’s continued support of the Women’s Tour should not be underestimated. They backed the inaugural edition of the race in 2014 and have continued to show their desire to push for gender equality in sport ever since.
"The previous two stages may have culminated with hard-fought bunch sprints but if the wind blows in from the sea who knows what could happen!"
Further details of the penultimate stage and the 2021 route will be announced in the summer once alternative dates of 4-9 October are confirmed.