Tour of Britain returns to Suffolk: Here's what to expect
This September stage one starts in Woodbridge and ends in Southwold, before day two begins and finishes in Stowmarket.
The Tour of Britain is set to bring world-class cycling back to Suffolk this September, with thousands of spectators expected along the route.
On Monday, 2 September, stage one starts in Woodbridge before heading to Southwold, while day two (3 September) sees a loop in and out of Stowmarket.
Sarah Shinnie, Corporate Events and Commercial Partnership Officer at East Suffolk Council, has been helping to organise the event. She says:
“This is part of many things that we're organising for the Lloyds Tour Britain Men's that is coming on the second of September in East Suffolk and in Stowmarket and in Mid-Suffolk on the third of September.”
Shinnie explained that Suffolk is keen to showcase its best landscapes and towns:
“We're also trying to highlight the key towns and villages out in East Suffolk, and really highlight the beauty that we've got from the coast to the forest to the beaches, to the market towns. We've got so much to offer.”
Getting a taste of the Tour
Ahead of the big race, a special media ride took place to give partners and colleagues a sense of what the peloton will experience.
“We didn't do the media ride last year, so it's very exciting to be able to get to do this this year, and it gives people a tiny taste of what it's like to be in the actual tour,” said Shinnie.
She added:
“It's also when they're out on the road, we've got kind of lots of branding, so people might see the branding and go, oh, yeah, the Tour of Britain is coming to Suffolk in a couple of weeks time.
"However, if we can inspire the next generation, we can inspire somebody to go into that shed, get their bike out, give it a bit of a clean and go out there. That's what this is about.”
Road closures and advice for drivers
With major sporting events comes disruption, and Suffolk residents are being urged to plan ahead.
“So this week we've got letters going out to the residents that will be informing them of the road closures that we've had to put in place both in Woodbridge and Southwold.
"(in terms of road closures) We only do what we have to do. We try not to do too much and as soon as the race goes through, those cones and parking suspensions will be lifted and life will go back to normal.”
Shinnie added that closures will move throughout the day:
“Out on the ride itself, it's a rolling road closure. So basically, what that means is the police outriders go ahead of the race about fifteen to twenty minutes ahead of the race, and they start closing the side roads.
"They basically keep rolling to the next road to put a stop to it.”
Her advice is simple:
“Plan your journey, look at the routes and try and go with the race rather than against the race.”
Boosting local business
Last year’s stage in Suffolk brought a major lift to the local economy.
Shinnes explained last year they saw around "four point two million. That was the spend that came into the economy, from hotels to spending in shops and restaurants. It's quite significant.”
She added that the event is designed to support Suffolk businesses:
“It's not about us bringing outside catering. It's about utilising what is in our market towns. And that's what we're pushing.”
What’s on locally
As well as the professional race, families are being encouraged to get involved in community cycling events.
“Come and see us on the second of September in Woodbridge and in Southwold. We have an event on Sunday, the 31st of August in Woodbridge called Pedal and Picnic. There are still time to sign up to our sporty, so we've got a 50K and a 100K ride if people want to do that. And then during the day at Kingston, Plainfield and Woodbridge on that 31st, we've got lots of fun, family-friendly activities. So come and say hi.”