Tour of Britain brings world-class cycling to Suffolk for Stage 2
Professional athletes will again be wizzing through Suffolk
Suffolk once again became the stage for elite cycling as the Tour of Britain rolled into the county this week, with Stage 2 attracting global riders, lifelong fans, and first-time spectators eager to witness the action.
Britain’s most prestigious road cycling event is spread across six stages, taking the peloton through a variety of landscapes from bustling towns to rolling countryside. Suffolk has hosted stages eight times before, and the return of the Tour highlights the region’s growing reputation as a hub for professional cycling.
Yesterday saw stage one from Woodbridge to Southwold. Today Racers will do a loop starting and ending in Stowemarket.
The Significance of the Race
Among those competing was British rider Ben Swift, a crowd favourite who drew huge applause as the peloton set off. The Tour of Britain remains a personal highlight. Racing at home, he explained, is unlike anything else on the calendar:
“It’s massive, you know, it’s the only time that we really get to race in front of the home crowd. To see the race growing and growing and the level that we’ve got this year with the riders here, it’s fantastic.”
This year’s edition also carried added emotion for Swift as, as it marked the final professional race for his close friend and teammate Thomas Geraint, one of Britain’s most decorated cyclists and a Tour de France champion.
“It’s his last race,l he’s had a fantastic career. It’s gone full circle really, because this is where we started out together on the Academy. We’re just here to enjoy it, to celebrate his career, but also to perform. It’s not just a procession.”
Sprint Finish on the Cards
Stage 1 was billed as a fast and relatively flat day, favouring the sprinters in the peloton. Thomas made clear the Ineos Grenadiers were riding with one goal in mind:
“Today it’s going to be a sprint, so we’re going all in for Sam Watson. We’ve got a great team for that, but also ambitions for the general classification too. First and foremost is trying to win that sprint today.”
The route itself offered a scenic backdrop: from the medieval streets of Framlingham to the open countryside near Bungay and Beccles, before culminating in a much-anticipated sprint finish along Southwold’s seafront.
A Festival Atmosphere
Thousands of spectators lined the streets, ringing cowbells, waving flags, and capturing the moment on cameras and smartphones. The buzz was especially strong in Woodbridge, where the stage began, with families gathering early to get a glimpse of the riders signing on.
For many, the event was more than just sport, it was a social gathering. Pubs and cafés were full, roadsides became picnic spots, and towns along the route embraced the carnival-like atmosphere.
Among the fans was Tim Butler, President of the Ipswich Bicycle Club and a keen cyclist from Ipswich who rode 15 miles just to watch the peloton begin..
“I’ve been cycling since I was 14 and it’s just great to see the pros here. I’ve followed professional teams all my life, and this shows the public what the sport is about, not just amateurs out on the road, but world-class athletes. It’s a real spectacle.”
Tim added that the Tour is about more than competition:
“Something like today is great to meet different people, old friends, one of the people I bumped into earlier was one of my first opponents back in the early 70s. Events like this bring people together.”
Economic Boost
Hosting the Tour is also a financial win for Suffolk. The influx of spectators has a direct impact on local businesses, filling hotels, cafés, and shops across the route.
Tim was quick to point this out:
“People come here from all over Britain, even the continent, to watch it. Local hotels will be full. It’s a win-win.”
Councillors have previously said the event shines a spotlight on Suffolk, putting towns like Southwold and Framlingham on an international stage, while encouraging cycling tourism year-round.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the spectacle, both riders and fans agree the Tour’s biggest impact may be inspiring future cyclists. Ben Swift says grassroots opportunities remain essential:
“It’s just about the basics, making more cycle-friendly areas for kids, and giving up-and-coming talents more races. After London 2012 we saw a massive wave of new riders, and with talents like Oscar Onley coming through, we’ve got another great group on the rise. Stuff like the Tour of Britain helps keep that momentum going.”
Tim echoed the sentiment, admitting road safety remains a challenge for amateurs but hoping days like this will light a spark in young fans:
“It’s getting the youngsters into the sport, that’s the critical thing. Hopefully, seeing this will get more people riding.”