Sport chiefs in Essex were full of excitement today as it was confirmed that part of the 2014 Tour de France route will go through the county.

The route will see the world’s best cyclists pedal through the county, with parts of Braintree being included in the third stage of the tour – it will come through Essex on July 7, 2014.

Essex County Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Ann Naylor, said: “We’re delighted to be able to say “bienvenue” from Essex to a global audience of up to 3.5 billion people next July. This is yet another great sporting event to come to our county.”

For two competitors who are likely to be part of the race, Team Sky’s Ian Stannard and Movistar’s Alex Dowsett, news that the Tour will come through Essex will be a big boost, as they are both from Chelmsford.

Mrs Naylor added: “Cycling is not only a fast-growing global sport but a great way of keeping fit and healthy.

“It’s wonderful that we may have two inspirational Essex-born stars riding through their home county and I’m sure the spectacle of the peleton flashing through our towns and countryside will be a brilliant way to showcase our county to the world.”

More details about the route can be found at www.essex.gov.uk