How Suffolk turned out to support the world’s elite women cyclists

Womens Tour cycling passing through Bramford Village Picture: PAUL BOTWRIGHT (Image: Archant)

Cycling fans, Suffolk school children and those keen to just be a part of this sporting fiesta lined the streets along the 130km route to cheer on stage winner Jolien D’hoore and her cohort of elite cyclists from around the world - and here we look back at some of the photo highlights of the day.

The teams left Framlingham and cycled down to Wickham Market, through Martlesham to Ipswich, up to Bramford towards Stowmarket and Debenham before heading back to Framlingham. From there the riders went north to Stradbroke, through Heveningham and out to Halesworth and Blythburgh before crossing the finish line in Southwold.

• See more hereD’hoore was named the winner of this first stage with former World Champion Marta Bastianelli, riding for Alé Cipollini, and Coryn Rivera, of Team Sunweb.

Today the tour started in Rushden and finishes in Daventry. The five-day series culminates with a mountainous 122km route through Snowdonia on Sunday.

Leaders passing through Kesgrave Bell Picture: GEORGE COPPING (Image: Archant)

The women's cycle race passing through Christchurch Park. Picture: SAM DAWES

Women's Tour passing the Archant offices of the EADT & Ipswich Star on the corner of Portman Road and Princes Street Picture: ARCHANT

A close finish in the second sprint stage of the first day in the OVO energy Womans Tour, on 13 June 2018. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

standing with a group of friends watching The womens Tour come through . (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Women's Cycle Tour passing through Needham Market Picture: DAVID MAYHEW (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Women's Cycle Tour passing through Needham Market Picture: DAVID MAYHEW (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Cycle Race passing along Bramford Road Picture: GRAHAM MEADOWS (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Women's Cycle Tour passing through Needham Market Picture: DAVID MAYHEW (Image: Archant)

Riders on the A12 at Blythburgh during the first stage of he OVO energy Woman's Tour. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Market Hill, Framingham ahead of the start of the OVO energy Womans Tour, on 13 June 2018. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)