A top cycle event drew crowds into Clacton town centre last night.
Round five of professional cycle race the Sportsbreaks.com Tour Series took place in the town yesterday (Thursday, 19 May) from 5-9pm.
Crowds of people lined the 1.4km route around the town centre to enjoy the spectacle, before thrilling finishes in both the men’s and women’s races as the athletes crossed the line on Marine Parade East.
Matt Bostock (Wiv SunGod) and Sammie Stuart (Team LDN – Brother UK) were the individual winners while it was a return to familiar sight of leaders Wiv SunGod back on top of the podium in the men’s team classification, countered by a first time victory for Team Spectra Wiggle p/b Vitus in the women’s series.
Thousands more watched a live stream of the action, while TV highlights of the event are being shown tonight (Friday, 20 May) on ITV 4 at 7pm.
Alex Porter, Tendring District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said the event had been a big success.
“It was wonderful to see so many people out around the route, especially in the town centre, to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event,” Cllr Porter said.
“I was also pleased to see businesses open making the most of the crowds, and that is precisely why we worked with the Tour Series organisers to bring this event to the town centre – to not only put on a spectacle for residents and visitors, but also draw people in to support local firms.
“It really was a thrilling evening, and a great addition to our bumper events programme here in Tendring.”
There is a long history of cycle events coming to Clacton, with the town previously hosting stages of both the Tour of Britain and the Women’s Tour; the latter of which is passing through Manningtree on Monday, 6 June, as the peloton rides from Colchester to Bury St Edmunds.
To keep up-to-date on other events happening around Tendring and the Essex Sunshine Coast, people can download the LoveTendring app to their smartphone – free to download on both the App Store and on Google Play.
