First look at Tour of Britain 2024 to come through Suffolk

The Tour of Britain returns to Suffolk for its 20th year as cyclists embark on a 158-kilometre route from Lowestoft to Felixstowe for the final stage.

This is the route the cyclists will take through Suffolk (Image: British Cycling)

Britain’s biggest professional men's cycling race begins at 10.30am on Sunday, September 8 from Lowestoft's promenade.

It will be the first time the seaside town has hosted the Tour of Britain men's race.

Cyclists will then head further inland, riding via Beccles and Bungay, and then through Halesworth, Framlingham, and Saxmundham, before racing along the Suffolk coast between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.

The Tour of Britain final stage is being held in east Suffolk (Image: Zac Williams/SWpix.com)

The second half of the route goes through Snape, Wickham Market, Kesgrave, and Martlesham before finishing in Sea Road in Felixstowe.

The sixth stage of the race will feature three intermediate sprints, offering cyclists time bonuses in Beccles, Aldeburgh and Grundisburgh.

Wout van Aert wins in Felixstowe in 2023 (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)Last year, Wout van Aert took a stage win in Suffolk in the final stretch in Felixstowe.

Tour of Britain race director Rod Ellingworth said: "This year's final stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is deceptive, with plenty of challenges to overcome before our 2024 champion can be crowned on Sea Road in Felixstowe.

"Suffolk has always provided great racing in the Tour, and this year will be no different, with sections along the exposed coastline that will be a real challenge if the wind blows."

East Suffolk councillor Seamus Bennett, pictured in Felixstowe for last year's Tour of Britain (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Seamus Bennett, East Suffolk councillor, added: "This is the first time an entire stage of the Tour of Britain will be held solely within east Suffolk, which is wonderful for the district as national sporting events such as this brings huge benefits to the area.

"The race will pass through many of our market towns, giving residents, businesses and visitors the chance to enjoy the event from a wide range of locations. 

"There is an exciting programme of activity taking place at the start in Lowestoft and finish in Felixstowe, as well as encouraging residents and businesses along the route to get involved and show their support for the race."

The Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, September 3, then cyclists will endure stages in the Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, East Midlands and Northamptonshire, before the final stage in Suffolk.