East Suffolk route for final Tour of Britain stage, through Lowestoft, Beccles, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe among others, announced

The route for the final stage of this year’s Tour of Britain, which will run through East Suffolk, has been announced.

SuffolkNews reported last month the country’s premier road cycling event stage on September 8 would start in Lowestoft and finish on the Felixstowe seafront.

Organisers have now confirmed it will start at 10.30am from Lowestoft’s Promenade and then run through Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Framlingham and Saxmundham.

It will then race along the coast through Aldeburgh and Thorpeness as the second half takes in Snape, Wickham Market, Kesgrave and Martlesham before the sprint to the finish line in Sea Road.

Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said; "This year's final stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is deceptive, with plenty of challenges to overcome before our 2024 champion can be crowned on Sea Road in Felixstowe.

“Suffolk has always provided great racing in the Tour, and this year will be no different.

“Our thanks go to our partners at East Suffolk Council, and in both Lowestoft and Felixstowe, for hosting the final stage of this year's Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men."

The stage will feature three intermediate sprints at Beccles, Aldeburgh and Grundisburgh, which Mr Ellingworth said should provide some extra excitement for the crowds.

Each sprint will have time bonuses.

Cllr Seamus Bennett said: "This is the first time an entire stage of the Tour of Britain will be held solely within East Suffolk, which is wonderful for the district as national sporting events such as this brings huge benefits to the area.

“The race will pass through many of our market towns, giving residents, businesses and visitors the chance to enjoy the event from a wide range of locations.”

The stage is expected to finish between 2.08pm and 2.53pm.

The race is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the modern edition this year, and is free to watch on ITV4.

The tour begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday 3 September followed by stages in the Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, East Midlands and West Northamptonshire, before the final stage in Suffolk.