The Women's Tour is coming to Harlow
The town is going to be hosting the second stage of the cycling race
It's been confirmed Harlow will host the second stage of the Women's Tour this summer as part of the town's 75th birthday celebrations.
Britain's longest-running international stage race for women kicks off in Colchester on Monday 6th June, before arriving in Harlow on Tuesday 7th.
The cyclists will set off from the Harlow Innovation Park before completing a 57-mile route, finishing back in the town.
Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that for the first time ever Harlow will host the start and finish of stage two of the Women’s Tour.
"We are working hard to restore pride in our town and that includes aiming high when it comes to hosting events and helping to put Harlow back on the world stage.
"We want to make Harlow one of the best places to live, to work, to study in and visit and hosting world class events is all part of what we are delivering for our town.
“The Women’s Tour will also be part of Harlow’s 75th anniversary year where we will celebrate the past and look to the future.
"Harlow has a rich and famous past and present when it comes to cycling with Harlow Museum being the home of the renowned Collins' cycle collection, and the town having one of the biggest cycle track networks in the country.
"This event will have some of the best female cyclists in the world taking part so it will be another historic and proud moment for our town.
"We hope that many residents, schools, organisations, and businesses will benefit from Harlow being a host town for the Women’s Tour.”
What's the route?
The Harlow stage will depart from the Harlow Innovation Park, a new destination for business focusing on all areas of science, technology, research and innovation, at 11am on Tuesday 7 June.
The route will take riders north east through Hatfield Heath to Great Dunmow, for the opening intermediate sprint of the stage, and on through Felsted, High Easter (second intermediate sprint), and Roxwell.
The second half of the stage sees the race return to Harlow via Chipping Ongar and a pair of ŠKODA Queen of the Mountains climbs at Toot Hill and Epping.
The stage will finish along Third Avenue, approaching Harlow town centre.
Mick Bennett, Women’s Tour race director, said: “Thanks to Harlow Council for their support of the Women’s Tour.
"It is always a great occasion to take the race to somewhere new and we are looking forward to visiting Harlow this June.
"With both the start and finish in the town we’re hoping that spectators make a day of it and join us a day of world-class cycling action.”