The Suffolk Coast will host the final stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men this September, with Lowestoft and Felixstowe set to welcome Britain’s biggest professional cycle race on Sunday 8 September.
This event marks the seventh visit of the men's Tour to Suffolk, but it will be the first time the county has hosted the prestigious final stage.
A year after Wout van Aert's daring stage win on Sea Road in Felixstowe, which led to his overall victory, the 2024 champion will be crowned in Felixstowe.
While Felixstowe has previously hosted starts and finishes of both men's and women's Tours, Lowestoft last saw the men's race in 2012 during the opening stage from Ipswich to the Royal Norfolk Showground.
Detailed information about the stage route, starting from Lowestoft’s seafront and covering many familiar roads, villages, and towns from previous Suffolk stages, will be released in the coming weeks.
British Cycling Events Managing Director Jonathan Day commented on the announcement: “We’re delighted to bring top-level racing and the joy of cycling to communities across the country in September, with six stages showcasing the very best of Britain’s character and terrain.
“We’re enormously thankful to the local partners supporting this year’s race. We aim to build on the momentum of June’s successful Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women. I’m confident that their communities will come out in force to welcome the riders, making it another memorable week of racing to cap off a huge summer of cycling.”
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure, and Tourism, added: “We are thrilled to see the return of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men this year, especially as the entire final stage will be held within East Suffolk.
“National sporting events like the Tour of Britain bring huge benefits to the area, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses and communities. We look forward to September and witnessing this amazing sporting spectacle in our district.”
In 2021, Felixstowe hosted the final stage of the women’s event, with reigning World Road Race Champion Elisa Balsamo winning the stage and Dutchwoman Demi Vollering taking the overall honors.
The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, September 3, visiting the Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, and West Northamptonshire in subsequent stages.
More details, including the stage six route map, detailed stage timings, and competing teams, will be announced in the coming weeks. Find out more at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain