AN ANNUAL cycling race which caters for all abilities – from beginners to club riders – has had about 1,200 people take to the saddle.

The Tour de Tendring began and finished at Dovercourt Swimming Pool, in Harwich, and cyclists had the choice of three different routes – covering six, 20 or 60 miles.

Organised by Tendring District Council, the event coincided with the Sparks Will Fly festival, celebrating the forthcoming London Olympic Games.

Stephen Mayzes, cabinet member for tourism and community life at the council, said: “It was a huge success – we topped last year’s figures by having 1,200 people take part.

“There was a good atmosphere and it was a chance for people to explore parts of the district – the country lanes and to go off the beaten track.

“It was a good, old-fashioned family day. I took part with the chairman of the council, Danny Mayzes, and another councillor, Mark Platt, on the six-mile route.”

The three routes swept through the north Essex countryside, passing through Clacton, St Osyth, Great Bentley and Great Oakley.

Harwich was the first out of 15 locations across the county to host one of the Sparks Will Fly celebrations, which started in the town on Friday.