Friends Life Women’s Tour returns to Bury St Edmunds

The Friends Life Women’s Tour will return to Bury St Edmunds this year - to start where last year’s inaugural event finished.

The opening stage of the 2015 tour will see 100 of the world’s top female cyclists set off from Angel Hill, Bury, on June 17, where Marianne Vos won the final stage and the overall Friends Life Yellow Jersey in May 2014.

Details of the stage one route will be announced in the coming weeks, but it will be hosted entirely within Suffolk, finishing in Aldeburgh.

The free-to-attend team presentation event will also take place in Bury, giving fans the chance to see the world’s top teams and riders the night before the opening stage.

Cllr Sara Mildmay-White, deputy leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “The 2014 Friends Life Women’s Tour was one of last year’s highlights, and I am delighted that this world class event will be returning to Bury.

“Watching athletes at the top of their sport is exhilarating and the event has a terrific atmosphere. I hope it is also inspirational and many more women will be persuaded of the benefits of getting on their bikes and enjoying our very special part of Suffolk.”

The tour will take place from June 17-21, again taking place over five stages.

Councillor Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “Last year Bury was filled with thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the race finish and we expect this year’s event to be just as spectacular.”

Friends Life Women’s Tour race director Mick Bennett said: “Last year’s race surpassed all of our expectations and thanks to the support of Suffolk County Council, Bury and Suffolk Coastal, we know this year’s will start off on a similarly high level.”

A full list of the tour’s 16 teams will be confirmed during the spring.