The economic benefits brought to the region through its inclusion in this year’s Women’s Tour are expected to top £1million – providing a financial boost to more than match its sporting legacy.

Council chiefs involved in securing major roles for Suffolk and north Essex in the UK’s foremost women’s cycling event say they are hopeful it will top the estimated high six-figure sum generated by last year’s inaugural tour.

Both counties featured prominently in the internationally contested event last month, with stage one departing from Bury St Edmunds and culminating in a dramatic finish in Aldeburgh, where race winner Lizzie Armitstead crashed after crossing the line.

Stage two saw the riders set off from Braintree, heading back into Suffolk to pass through Hadleigh and Sudbury, before returning to Essex for the finish in Clacton.

Tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money was invested in the event by local authorities in recognition of its positive publicity and financial returns, which last year were estimated at around £990,000 for the two counties.

Follow the link to read our to page feature on the wider financial costs and benefits ...