World-class cyclists will descend on a north-east Essex town weeks before the county hosts the Tour de France when it stages a prestigious women’s race.

Alan Goggin, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) cabinet member for tourism, said Clacton-on-Sea will get a “major” tourism and business boost when staging the Women’s Tour cycle on May 9 next year.

It comes just weeks after it was announced the men’s Tour de France will enter Essex near Saffron Walden, taking in Chelmsford and Epping Forest before heading to London, on July 7.

Mr Goggin said he was confident the Women’s Tour cycle will attract elite women cyclists, including world and Olympic champions.

“The Tendring leg will be in our district just a few weeks before the Tour de France cuts through the west of the county,” he said.

“It will provide a major boost to tourism and businesses and it will showcase the district’s cycling credentials around the globe.

“The event is attracting a great deal of interest around the world and from media companies wanting to cover it.”

He added the fact that Clacton-on-Sea had been chosen by the organisers showed the council is capable of holding major events on a world stage.

TDC leader Peter Halliday said through “changing attitudes” the authority is “starting to come out head and shoulders above others”.

He added: “This race coming to Tendring is a real mark of just how far we have come in a very short time and we should be really proud of that.

“I recently received an email from an opposition councillor from the borders of Scotland asking how we are doing so much and yet still reducing council tax bills – that is how far what we are doing has spread.”

The Women’s Tour will take place over five stages between May 7 and 11, with the grand depart at Oundle in Northamptonshire.

Northampton, Hinckley and Bedford will all host the race over the opening two days, before it moves on into Essex.

Sarah Candy, TDC’s cabinet member for inward investment and growth, said the race will inspire youngsters.

“They will get on their bikes, get fit and be can-do children,” she said.