East Suffolk Council
Tour of Britain
The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men returns to East Suffolk in September!
Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event will return on Tuesday 2 September, with the opening stage of the race departing from Woodbridge and finishing in Southwold.
Since its return in 2004, the Tour of Britain has become a cornerstone of the UK sporting calendar. More than 15 million people have watched the event in person, with the race generating over £330m for the UK economy to date.
Route
The exact stage route for the opening leg of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will be published later in July, but will include passing through Wickham Market, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Halesworth, Bungay, and Beccles.
Grants
Town and parish councils, local groups and voluntary organisations in East Suffolk are invited to apply for funding to support community activities relating to the upcoming Tour of Britain Men. Applications close on 6 August.
Design a cycle jersey competition!
East Suffolk Council has launched a cycle jersey design competition to inspire local creativity as excitement builds towards the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September.
Entries from three age categories – 11 and under, 12-17 years old and over 18s – will be judged by a cycling mad panel from East Suffolk Council, with a guest judge from British Cycling. The best design in each age category will be transformed into cycling jerseys by www.thecyclejersey.com.
The winners of each category will be invited to receive a prize on the podium at the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men Stage Finish in Southwold on Tuesday 2 September, and will receive their winning jersey by the end of September.
The competition is open to anyone, of any age, who lives or works in East Suffolk.
Download a competition entry form, design sheet and guidelines.
Submit your design by emailing leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk by Friday 8 August.
Winners will be notified during week commencing 11 August.
Sign up for the East Suffolk sportive
East Suffolk is gearing up for a thrilling cycling celebration as the Lloyd’s Tour of Britain Men returns to our region on Tuesday 2 September - and we’re kicking things off early with a special East Suffolk Sportive on Sunday 31 August. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a new challenge, there’s a route for you, plus plenty of fun for the whole family, with exciting community activities.
A sportive is a mass-participation cycling event that’s open to riders of all abilities, offering a great opportunity to challenge yourself over a marked route with support along the way. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply riding for fun, sportives are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, improve your fitness, and be part of a vibrant cycling community. It’s also a chance to make a positive impact by supporting our local charity partner, Suffolk Mind, while doing something you love.
Travel information
Details of all road closures and parking suspensions in East Suffolk will follow in due course.
News
- Take part in the East Suffolk sportive! (29 July 2025)
- Cycling jersey design competition launched for Tour of Britain’s return to East Suffolk (18 July 2025)
- Funding available to support Tour of Britain activities (17 July 2025)
- Suffolk to host opening stages of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men (15 July 2025)
What does the Tour bring to East Suffolk?
An Economic Impact Report, produced by Suffolk Growth, revealed that over 113,000 spectators lined the 192.4km route of the 2023 stage through the county, with an estimated 53% of these coming to see the event from outside of the local area and 89% pledging to visit the area again. The local hospitality industry also benefited with an estimated 9,500 attendees enjoying overnight stays.
30% of spectators cycled to the event with 52% inspired to cycle more often as a direct result of watching the race, supporting Suffolk’s ambition to get more residents cycling and benefiting from the physical and mental wellbeing it can provide.