THE Suffolk to Essex leg of the Tour of Britain race is under way.

THE Suffolk to Essex leg of the Tour of Britain race is under way.

The penultimate stage of the internationally-famous race began in Bury St Edmunds this morning in front of between 1,500 and 2,000 people gathered on Angel Hill.

Hundreds lined the streets as the cyclists set off on their 94-mile journey through the scenic Suffolk countryside.

A special stage was set up in front of the Abbey Gate in Angel Hill to start the race as riders and their support crews prepared for the penultimate stage of the biggest professional cycle event to be held in the UK.

The start from Bury was merely a warm up and the actual racing section of the ride starts around Horringer.

The professional riders were led out by a cyclist on a Penny Farthing, accompanied by children and enthusiasts.

Geoff Rivers, chief executive of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “This can only be good for the borough.”

He said the counci had worked closely with Suffolk County Council to ensure the infrastructure was in place to stage the event.

Those who gathered to watch the start of the race said there was a “real buzz” around the town.

Alex Clark, 28, a keen cyclist who lives in the town, said: “This is great for Bury. It’s got everybody out on the streets, young and old, and there’s a real buzz. People here will remember it forever.”

Fellow cycling enthusiast, and council communities portfolio holder Robert Everitt said: “It is a lovely event for the whole of the community and it encourages people to be fitter and to ride their bicycles.”

The teams will travel through some of Suffolk’s prettiest villages such as Depden, Wickhambrook, Clare and Cavendish before finishing their ride in Colchester.