The Tour of Britain is returning to Suffolk and Norfolk this year, and thanks to the fantastic crowds and the support the event has received in the counties over the past two years, the route has been chosen as the race’s Grand Depart.

Taking place on Sunday 9 September, the UK’s biggest professional cycle race will start on the waterfront in Ipswich before heading on through Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Leiston, Reydon and Lowestoft before crossing into Norfolk near Great Yarmouth to head for the finish at the Norfolk Showground.  Local brewer Adnams returns this year to sponsor the event.

Last year’s route through Suffolk and Norfolk saw around 150,000 people line the roadside bringing a boost of over £2million to the local economy.

Also 75% of people who took part in the post tour survey were inspired to cycle more frequently as a result of watching the event. This year, Suffolk County Council and its partners are hoping to encourage even more people to take up cycling and physical activity as a result of hosting the event to help make Suffolk the most active county.

The television coverage of the race in more than 100 countries around the globe offers both counties a huge opportunity to showcase locations along the route to huge audiences – providing a significant potential tourism benefit.

For more information about the Tour of Britain visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk

Get involved and raise money for charity

Fancy taking on the route yourself, well you can! The Suffolk and Norfolk stage of The Tour of Britain has also been chosen as the first of five ‘Tour Rides’ to take place in 2012.

Find out more about the Tour Ride East Anglia and how you can be part of it 

In this section