Ride in Tandem with Tour of Britain

People living near the route for the Tour of Britain are being set their own cycling challenge – as anticipation grows for the return of the race to East Suffolk on Thursday 7 September.

The fifth stage of the international cycle race will start and finish in Felixstowe – wending 119.6 miles through Suffolk and passing Framlingham, Saxmundham, Leiston and Woodbridge along the way. 

Just north of Saxmundham, residents of Kelsale and Yoxford ward are being encouraged to take part in their own cycling challenge to clock up the same distance over the month of September.

The challenge equates to 3.99 miles per day – roughly the distance between Peasenhall and Walpole – or 11.96 miles on Saturdays and Sundays.

To inspire everyone to get going, riders are also being encouraged to log their progress on cycle distance apps and let others know on social media, by using the #MyTour hashtag, just how they are doing, including posting photos from their journeys.

East Suffolk councillor for Kelsale and Yoxford ward, Julia Ewart said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to challenge themselves to ‘ride along’ with the Tour of Britain this September. I for one am dusting my bike down!

“Cycling is a great way to boost health and wellbeing, and we’re lucky to have some beautiful cycling routes on our doorstep.”

The Tour of Britain is expected to pass through Framlingham at about 1.56pm, before visiting Saxmundham at 2.13pm and Woodbridge at 2.58pm on Thursday 7 September.

Suffolk last hosted the men’s Tour of Britain in 2017, when Stage Six of the race finished in the centre of Aldeburgh.

A full route guide and map can be found on the Tour of Britain website.

Elsewhere, Felixstowe will be hosting a six-day ‘Love Felixstowe’ festival in the lead up to the race, featuring music and entertainment, bike workshops, and a 10k community bike ride to the race finish line.