Suffolk has played host to both the Women’s Tour and the Tour of Britain in recent years – but what other cycling events will be coming to the county this summer?

Suffolk Sunrise 100 2019 – Sunday, May 19

More than 900 riders will explore some of Suffolk’s country lanes with a choice of three different routes.

Riders can opt for the Cool 42 mile route, which is great for newbie cyclists. The more challenging Classic 65 mile and Champion at 102 mile treks are ideal for those who are more experienced.

Framlingham Castle will make a great backdrop for the route allowing riders to take in the superb countryside views.

The race will raise vital funds for Action Medical Research for children, which funds medical research to beat the diseases that devastate the lives of so many young people.

Riders can book here.

Suffolk 100 – Sunday, June 9

The Suffolk 100 will return with three routes heading out from Kesgrave towards the coast. Riders can choose between a 45, 64, or 100 mile journey, with the longer routes offering a taste of the seaside breeze courtesy of Aldeburgh and the famous Dunwich Forest where riders will be treated to more quiet roads, along with more hills.

All routes will be chip timed with gold, silver and bronze times awarded following the event. Online registration is available here.

Suffolk Coast Bike Ride – Sunday, September 15

Starting and finishing at the elegant Elizabethan mansion of Glemham Hall, the scenic route gives cyclists either a 35, 65 or 100 mile ride through the countryside.

All three of the routes head north before dividing – the shorter option swings east towards Dunwich, while the longer options continue north to Covehithe with its curious ‘Russian Doll’ churches before crossing open heathland near Dunwich. The 100 mile route goes even further to Beccles and back via Halesworth towards Glemham Hall.

After the race riders can enjoy a massage, refreshments, live music and even a bar.

This is an open event where riders can choose a charity of their own to ride for. Online booking is available here.

Crafted Classique – Saturday, August 10

Now in its sixth year the established event will start and finish at Cult Café on Ipswich waterfront. Last year’s event saw 900 riders register for the three routes throughout the Suffolk countryside, passing popular destinations from Snape, through to Orford and Aldeburgh.

Following their scenic ride last summer, the cyclists were treated to a burger and a drink as they crossed the finishing line, along with live music and entertainment at the cafe.

Early bird tickets are available from March 4 – for more information visit their website.

Major cycling events

Last summer, the opening stage of The Ovo Energy Women’s Tour was hosted in the county. The 130km race set off from Framlingham on June 13 and continued round Ipswich in to Southwold.

This year’s tour will increase from five days to six and will be hosted from Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 15. Full details of the route will be announced in the coming months but it is not yet known whether the race will return to Suffolk.

In 2017 stage six of the Tour of Britain came to Suffolk – starting in Newmarket and ending in Aldeburgh. The cyclists passed through Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Eye, Saxmundham, Leiston and north Ipswich.

Details of the 2019 route will also be announced in the spring.