World-class cyclists will compete in a fast paced race against the clock when a prestigious national event makes its first visit to the north Essex coast later this year.
Tendring will host an individual time trial stage during the Tour of Britain on Thursday, September 8 – the day before its Suffolk leg.
The 16km time trial will start and finish in Clacton-on-Sea on an open, coastal course, which is expected to play a key role in the overall outcome of the Tour.
It will be the first Tour of Britain to visit Tendring and is hoped to build on the success of its role on the Women’s Tours of 2014 and 2015.
Tanya Ferguson, Tendring District Council’s tourism chief said it would be a “huge boost for the area”.
“We had a fantastic taste of the massive interest generated by hosting the Women’s Tour in both 2015 and 2015,” she added.
“Spectators turned up along the route and supported the race; we had excellent media coverage around the world and it generated significant revenue for the district.
“We are eagerly anticipating the OVO Energy Tour of Britain in September and know it will be a superb spectacle which will be well supported.
“It is a real coup for Tendring to be involved in such a premier sporting event.”
The stage will be the longest individual time trial in the tour since 2012, when Sir Bradley Wiggins took victory at Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside. Last year’s Tour time trial in Bristol was won by Tony Martin, the World Time Trial Champion.
Race director Mick Bennett said he was “delighted” to be resuming the successful partnership with Tendring District Council, after its work on The Women’s Tour.
“The individual time trial will be a key stage for anyone hoping to win the OVO Energy Green Jersey,” he added.
“While it should suit the expert time trialists, the length will not completely rule out a sprinter who can time trial,
“All in all it will be an intriguing battle and one we are very much looking forward to.”
For the first time, this year’s race leader will wear a green rather than yellow jersey, following the new sponsorship deal with OVO Energy.
The eight stage Tour of Britain begins on Sunday, September 3, in Edinburgh and finishes the following Sunday in Cardiff.
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