SOUTHEND is set to welcome hundreds of elite level female athletes as the town hosts the fourth stage of the world-renowned cycle race, The Women's Tour.

Riders will set off from East Beach in Shoebury on October 7 before heading out to the rural roads in Essex and then reaching the finish line along the seafront on Westcliff.

The race was originally set to take place this month however due to Covid restrictions it was pushed back until October.

The event will start in Oxfordshire on October 4 where racers will visit Walsall and Atherstone before arriving in Southend.

Further details of the stage routes will be announced in July.

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “I am thrilled to announce that Southend will be hosting stage four of the prestigious Women’s Tour.

"This is a fantastic event which will bring some of the world’s best cyclists here and is certain to be exhilarating. I hope that by hosting this event, young people in the area will find and grow a passion for cycling, and I cannot wait to welcome the riders to the Borough.”

Jonathan Durling, partnerships director SweetSpot said: "We’re thrilled to welcome Southend to the Women’s Tour in 2021 for what promises to be a challenging day of racing.

"One of our aims this year was to showcase the best of Britain and by bringing the event to Southend, with its unforgettable coastline, world-famous pier and cultural hotspots, I think we’ve ticked that box once again.

"To accomplish this, particularly given the challenges of the past year, is testament to the work Southend Borough Council have put in behind the scenes.”