Local communities play a key part in creating the atmosphere along the route of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, and in 2019 local residents will be supporting the race as enthusiastically as ever.

June’s race begins in Suffolk on Monday 10 June, with a stage between Beccles and Stowmarket. Anybody wishing to watch Britain’s most prestigious women’s cycle race are invited to take part in these community – and free to attend – events.

Stowmarket & District Cycle Club family ride – Saturday 8 June

Stowmarket Rugby Club, Chilton Way, Stowmarket, IP14 1SZ

Ride one of three distances – five miles (11:00 start), 10 miles (10:30 start) or 20 miles (10:00 start) – around Stowmarket. Registrations for each ride take place 30 minutes before departure. Food and drink will be available from 09:00 until after each ride has returned.

Beccles Cycling Festival – Sunday 9 June

New Market, Beccles, NR34 9HQ

To celebrate the Grand Depart of this year’s OVO Energy Women’s Tour, a special festival will take place in Beccles the day before the race.

Beginning with the annual Beccles Triathlon at 08:30, the festival proper runs from 12:00 to 16:00, featuring live music, stuntbike displays, a food market plus visits from competing teams in the race!

Click here for full details.

Stowmarket Striders family trail run – Sunday 9 June

Red Gables, Ipswich Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1BE

Open to runners, walkers and dog walkers alike, participants will be able to tackle this family trail run at any time between 10am and 11am. Routes will be provided on the day by written instructions; a £2 charity donation will go towards Breast Cancer Care.

Thornham Magna Bowls Club

Gislingham Road, Thornham Magna, Eye, IP23 8HH

Race location: KM68.1 | Estimated arrival time: 12.32

Join members of Thornham Magna Bowls Club to watch the race pass by. Open from 11.45am on race day, guests can enjoy tea and biscuits before catching the world’s best riders in action.

Walsham Sports Club

8 Summer Rd, Walsham le Willows, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds, IP31 3AH

Race location: KM80.2 | Estimated arrival time: 12.52

Head to Walsham Sports Club on Monday 10 June to enjoy a free taster session of walking netball and some brunch.

Guests will be driven a short distance to watch the race pass through the village, followed by Pimms upon their return to the club!

The day’s timetable follows as such:

  • 08:45 for 9: 10 or 20-mile country cycle ride (booking essential, contact Jan on janmurton65@hotmail.co.uk or 07874 852935)
  • 10:00: Turn up and play walking netball sessions
  • 11:00am to 12:00: Brunch
  • 12.30: Transport to viewing points to watch the race
  • 14:00: Return to club for Pimms and depart

Breast Cancer Care Fundraising Lawn Event

Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, IP14 1EZ

Race location: in close proximity to KM145 and finish | Estimated arrival time: 14:34 and 14:53

Stowmarket Town Council are raising money for Breast Cancer Care, the OVO Energy Women’s Tour’s Official Charity Partner. 

There will be a range of activities at the event, including smoothie bikes, a bake sale with cakes provided by the Stowmarket WI, a scented flower wall to take memorable selfies in front of, arts & crafts to create cycling jerseys, ‘pic ‘n’ mix’ sweets.

The Regal Cinema, Stowmarket 

Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, IP14 1EZ

Race location: KM145 and finish | Estimated arrival time: 14:34 and 14:53

Don’t miss free screenings of Stanley’s War and Life on the Deben between 12:00 – 15:00, followed by How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World at 15:45. For more information and to book in advance, visit regalstowmarket.co.uk.

The Mix, Stowmarket

127 Ipswich St, Stowmarket, IP14 1BB

Race location: KM145 and finish | Estimated arrival time: 14:34 and 14:53

Cabbages & Kings providing refreshments outside the front of the Mix, with a cold brew coffee bike and ice creams. They will also be serving food and barista coffee in the coffee shop, and a BBQ in their rear garden.

The Blossom Charities workshops will also take place in the Mix. Two workshops, running from 11:30 – 13:00 and 18:30 – 20:00, will look at strengths, understand confidence and what impacts it, and learn techniques to boost or recharge confidence when knocked.

Stradbroke Community Centre

Wilby Rd, Eye, IP21 5JN

Race location: N/A | Estimated arrival time: N/A | Event time: 18:00 to 20:00

After the stage is over, visit Stradbroke Community Centre and Fields for a night of fun and food. All activities are completely free, featuring a puppet theatre and scooters! BBQ food will also be on offer.

Eye Open Air Cinema – The Greatest Showman

Community Centre Fields, 25 Magdalen Street, Eye, IP23 7AJ

Race location: N/A | Estimated arrival time: N/A | Event time: from 18:30

Watch Hugh Jackman in action as the Eye Open Air Cinema shows popular musical The Greatest Showman in full.

Share your event!

Let us know what you have planned for the OVO Energy Women’s Tour visit to Suffolk on Monday 10 June.

Email us to share details of what you have planned for this year’s Grand Depart.

Downloads and links

Click here to explore the stage one route | Click here to download the stage one timetable