An ambitious bid has been made to bring the first ever Women’s Tour of Britain cycling event to the streets of Tendring.

Tendring District Council has been in talks with the organisers of the race for several months and is in the throes of finalising a deal.

The event is due to take place in May next year over five separate stages in the East of England and has been awarded elite international status, which means it is likely to attract the very best women cyclists from around the world, including World Championship and Olympic medallists.

Organisers are attempting to make it the first women’s cycling event in the world to offer absolute parity between men and women in terms of both prize money and backing.

The council’s cabinet member for tourism, Alan Goggin, said the event would boost businesses in the district.

“Staging part of this race will bring many thousands of people into Tendring out of the main holiday season and will be great for the local economy,” he added.

“I am really looking forward to a positive outcome to our bid and we have worked hard to get the event to the District.”

“It will be the first Women’s Tour of Britain and the race is attracting a great deal of interest around the world and from media companies wanting to cover the event.

“I am proud to say that it could bring international coverage to Tendring, promoting sport, fitness and health and well-being right across the region, as well as showcasing all the very best of the District and the many features and attractions on offer.”

Cllr Halliday added that further details will be made public as and when they are available.

“If everything goes according to plan – and there is no reason to believe it will not – this will provide us with yet another chance to show that we as a Council are serious about embracing such opportunities,” he said.

“To host one of the stages of this cycling race will be a significant boost for both businesses and the residents of Tendring and give the area a much-needed financial shot in the arm.

“It will also help us to fulfil our commitment to build on the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics.”

Cycling is the fastest growing sport in the UK and crowds flocked to see the coverage of the recent Men’s Tour of Britain and World Championships with millions more following it on ITV 4.

The massive interest in the sport comes on the back of Team GB’s Cycling Team being the most successful at the London 2012 Olympics and Britain having some of the best female cyclists in the world, including Olympic and World Champions.

Alan Goggin, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, also welcomed the prospect.

“Staging part of this race will bring many thousands of people into Tendring out of the main holiday season and will be great for the local economy,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to a positive outcome to our bid and we have worked hard to get the event to the District.”