Riders have today experienced the closing section of the Suffolk stage of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour that will decide the winner of the 2021 race on Saturday 9 October.

Led by CAMS – Basso Bikes rider Clover Murray, who hails from Frinton, the group rode the final 32 kilometres (20 miles) from Wickham Market to the stage finish on the seafront in Felixstowe.

She was joined by riders from stage, location and supporting partners in Suffolk, along with two motorcycle outriders from Suffolk Police.

Should she ride in the AJ Bell Women’s Tour for CAMS – Basso Bikes, it would mark Murray’s debut in the UCI Women’s WorldTour event. She currently lives on the Essex/Suffolk border, meaning there is extra motivation to make the squad with both stages five and six taking place nearby.

In quotes

Clover Murray said: “I though it was going to be quite flat but it was rolling and there were actually a few sharp climbs. It should still be one that comes back all together for the nice flat sprint at the end.  It’s hard to predict but it is going to be hard for anyone to get away so it looks like a sprinters’ stage.”

Cllr Graham Newman, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, said: “The media ride has given local partners, cyclists and media a great opportunity to experience cycling the final stretch of the race route, finishing along the sea front in Felixstowe.

 “It was a great day of cycling and I’m confident that this route will make for an exciting finish to the Suffolk stage and to the 2021 race! We can’t wait to welcome the world’s top cyclists to Suffolk in only a few weeks!”

Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, added: “It is incredibly exciting that the AJ Bell Women’s Tour is returning to East Suffolk next month and we know our local communities, businesses and schools will be out in force to show their support. We are committed to increasing people’s participation in sport and this event will no doubt inspire even more people to take up cycling and improve their health and wellbeing.”

About stage six

 

Stage six on Saturday 9 October will see riders departing from Haverhill High Street at 11:00, passing through Clare, Sudbury, Wattisham Flying Station, Stowmarket, and Woodbridge.

There will be two intermediate sprints, once again sponsored by the UK’s leading alcohol-free wine brand Eisberg, in Long Melford and Needham Market, with time bonuses available at each, and two ŠKODA Queen of the Mountains climbs at Glemsford and Clopton Hill, near Wickham Market.