EXCITEMENT was growing in a west Suffolk market town yesterday for a major cycling race which is set to bring thousands to the area.

The official launch of the Suffolk stage of The Tour of Britain - the country’s biggest professional cycling race - took place in Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens today .

The crucial penultimate leg of the race, which starts at Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds on September 17, will take cyclists through some of the area’s prettiest towns and villages, including Clare and Sudbury, before entering Essex.

More than 100,000 people are expected at the penultimate stage - stage seven - cheering the 96 racers from 16 pro teams.

It will be first time the Tour of Britain will have come to East Anglia since the race began in 2004.

Jane Storey, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “I am really pleased that Suffolk is going to be part of this major sporting event.

“To support the Tour, we are planning a series of events and activities during the summer.

“Hosting the tour also raises the profile of Suffolk and is an excellent opportunity for our local tourist industry and businesses.

“This puts Suffolk in the media spotlight across Britain and beyond, through international television and broadcasts.”