Wheels In Motion For Cycle Race Through Districts

Suffolk plays host to the final stage of the race, with this year’s champion being crowned on Saturday October 9, following a day of racing between Haverhill and Felixstowe.

A scenic route will take the peloton past the historic Melford Hall stately home in Long Melford and through Babergh’s largest market town, Sudbury.  

Riders will then pass along the runaway at Wattisham Flying Station, an airfield spanning over 1,000 acres across both Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

The route also includes Stowmarket, which had the honour of hosting the finish for stage one of the Women’s Tour back in 2019. 

After travelling through the heart of Mid Suffolk, cyclists will head south towards the finish line at Felixstowe. A nail-biting final is expected, as, to date, four out of six editions of the Women’s Tour have been decided by 11 seconds or fewer.

Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for communities, commented on the announcement:

“It’s fantastic news that our district will play a part in the final of a renowned national sporting event – showcasing the history and beauty of Babergh to everyone following the race. I am also delighted that Wattisham Flying Station features in this year’s route – reflecting the importance of our county’s military community.

“Like many, I can’t wait to watch on the day, and I’d encourage all our communities to come out in force and cheer on some of the world’s top cyclists.”

Cllr Harry Richardson, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said:

“We had a fantastic turnout when Stowmarket was selected to host the stage finish in 2019 and I hope we’ll see this again when we have the honour of welcoming back riders in October.

“I know that many Mid Suffolk residents will not only want to show their support for the race but will also be inspired to take up cycling themselves. This is a great way to improve health and wellbeing and those looking to start riding, or get back in the saddle, can find advice on the Keep Moving Suffolk website.”

The race is expected to be a significant boost for businesses in Babergh and Mid Suffolk, with Suffolk’s six previous stages delivering a net economic impact of more than £5.3m for the county’s economy. Local businesses can visit the Women’s Tour website to find out how to capitalise on the tour and the visitors this is expected to bring to Suffolk.

Spectator information is also available on the website and a series of community engagement events will take place in both districts, details of which will be announced via the councils’ social media channels.