Professional cyclist Sam Bennett to make triumphant return to Tour of Britain – which will pass through Suffolk, starting in Felixstowe

A professional cyclist and previous Tour of Britain victor is set to make his triumphant return to the competition 10 years after claiming his title.

Irish-born Sam Bennett, who won the fifth stage of the race in 2013, will take part in this year’s event, which will pass through Suffolk on September 7.

Since the 32-year-old pedaled to victory in Caerphilly 10 years ago, he has claimed than 60 professional wins, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a Espana.

Sam will form part of the BORA-Hansgrohe lineup.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back at the Tour of Britain this year.

“I think the race has a lot of opportunities for sprinters, and we should have a strong team there with BORA-Hansgrohe.

"I have great memories of Caerphilly. The last time I raced there it was at a make or break point in my career.

“If I didn't get the win that day I would have been going back to college in Ireland.

“But I got my stage win, which allowed me to turn pro with NetApp-Endura the following year.

“Without that stage, I wouldn't be here today."

The Tour of Britain will visit Suffolk on September 7, starting and ending in Felixstowe.

The race will pass through various towns, including Ipswich, Hadleigh, Framlingham, Saxmundham and Leiston.

In addition, special challenges have bee confirmed to take place in Hadleigh, as well as in Freston and Holbrook.