The Women’s Tour will return to the east of England for its final stage, between the port of Harwich, Essex, and the cathedral city of Bury St Edmonds, in the county of Suffolk. Having made its way close to London, on stage four, stage five will return to the east coast, rather than end with a day in the capital as the men’s Tour of Britain does.
"We are pleased to be continuing and building upon our partnership with Suffolk County Council, helping to inspire Suffolk to become England's most active county,” said Guy Elliott of The Women's Tour organisers SweetSpot Group.
"The final stage will provide a scenic backdrop to what we are sure will be an exciting and competitive race. We hope that with the involvement of major European teams and the proximity of stages to ports will attract a number of cycling fans across from the Continent.”
The start of stage five will be part of the Tendring district of Essex, which is also the location of Clacton-on-Sea, which is to host the start and finish of stage three.
"It was fantastic news to get the third stage in and around Clacton,” said Peter Halliday, Leader of Tendring District Council. "However, it is an absolute bonus to also have the fifth leg starting off in Harwich.
"The excitement around this major event is already building and we are proud to be involved in such a big way. It is a huge economic and sporting boost for the District.”
With stage five announced, the starts and finishes of all stages of the inaugural Women’s Tour have been confirmed. The first edition of the race will take place entirely in the east and south east of England, passing through Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.
With a 2.1 ranking in the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar - the same as the equivalent men’s event - the Women’s Tour will earn the same points as such events as the Giro Donne, the Thüringen-Rundfahrt and the Route de France, and so should attract some of the women’s sport’s top riders.
Women’s Tour (2.1) May 7th - 11th
Stages
Stage 1 - Oundle to Northampton
Stage 2 - Hinckley to Bedford
Stage 3 - Clacton-on-Sea
Stage 4 - Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City
Stage 5 - Harwich to Bury St Edmonds