SuffolkNews speaks with people at the Tour of Britain in Felixstowe to get their thoughts
The Tour of Britain returned to Suffolk today for the first time since 2017, and hundreds gathered in Felixstowe to watch the action.
Riders took off from the seafront shortly after 10.45am, and are set for a 3.34pm return.
SuffolkNews caught up with some of those attending to hear their thoughts on the event.
Katie and Julie from Woodbridge came to the town to watch the race, and partake in a ladies-only ride hosted by the organisation Let’s Ride.
The group did a 10K route along parts of the tour’s course this afternoon.
The pair said: “It’s lovely to see the event doing so well. We plan to return and watch the cyclists race near where we live.”
Laura Beale, who organised the race for Let’s Ride, led the ride out on the track before the professional cyclists started.
She said: “It was lovely, we got to take part, then sat back and watched as they went up Convalescent Hill.
“They picked the perfect day for the event. The weather is lovely and it’s great to see loads of people.
“I think the Tour of Britain has been great for the town and Suffolk – and should be a boon for the seaside’s economy and the area.
“I also think it’s lovely that the race starts and ends in Felixstowe, so people don’t have to travel if they don’t want to – and it offers them a chance to have a great time here.”
For Di and Ron Proctor, from Ipswich, the event was another reason to visit the seaside town.
They got a good view of the action from the roundabout at the end of Sea Road.
Ron said: “We watched them take off. It was remarkable. We’re not massive cycling fans, but it’s a great event and it’s lovely to see them going on a tour of our county’s lovely towns and villages.”
Di said: “We visit Felixstowe regularly and visited on Tuesday as part of the Love Felixstowe festival.
“The area they’ve set up for children, and what they’ve done to make everyone feel welcome is lovely.”
Ron added: “The preparation that went into the event is also very impressive. I don’t think I’ve seen so many police bikes in one area.”
Joe Wakelin and Gabriel Taylor were cycling enthusiasts – who peddled nearly 40 miles to get to Felixstowe from Halesworth to watch the race.
Gabriel, who regularly races on the UK scene, said: “We’re massive cyclists and this event is a big deal.
“The event is very good. It was great to see all the riders at the start and I think the turn-out was great.”
Joe said: “We plan to stay in Felixstowe for most of the day, but we may plot a little course in the area to stretch our legs and kill some time.”
Regarding their hopes for the race, the pair added: “We just hope there’ll be a breakaway and some people pull ahead, rather than clumping up together. It will make the race more interesting.”
