SPECTATORS without Covid vaccinations are being urged to wear masks as they watch the Women’s Tour cycling event when it passes through Southend on Thursday.

Southend’s public health boss has called on anyone who has not been jabbed yet or deemed to be vulnerable to wear a face mask on Thursday when the world renowned race reaches south Essex.

Roughly 5,000 people are expected to line the streets for stage four of the tour, which began yesterday in Oxfordshire.

A host of roads will be closed for cycling race with spectators urged to plan in advance.

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Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health for Southend, has requested signs encouraging social distancing and mask wearing are placed on the route.

He said: “You can still watch what’s going on without piling on top of each other.

“When there is a risk, people need to be more careful.

“If we can get 10 per cent of people thinking a bit differently then that’s a start.

“I’ve suggested that we put a lot of banners out on the course.

“I think people are vulnerable and not vaccinated should be wearing a mask.

“It’s going to be very crowded.”

The 117.5km race starts at East Beach in Shoebury at 11am.

Cyclists will head north to Little Wakering before turning west to Great Wakering and up to Rochford.

They will eventually be brought back to Battlesbridge where they will head south to Rayleigh, on to Leigh and finally crossing the line on Western Esplanade in Westcliff at roughly 2pm.

Dan Nelson, councillor for Southchurch, who played a huge part in bringing the race to the town, added: “I think people need to use common sense more than anything.

“If you know you’re vulnerable, then perhaps they need to be a little more careful.

“This event is a way to celebrate a return to normality. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy ourselves.

“We will see the best of Southend.

“I’m hoping as many people come down from Southend and outside of the town.

“I can’t put into words how excited I am about it, and I hope everyone else is too.”

In total, 16 different nationalities were represented on the start line in the 89-rider field.

Britain is the most represented nation with 24 riders in the peloton.

The overall champion of the race will be crowned in Felixstowe on Saturday.

For those unable to watch live as it passes, highlights of the race will also be screened on ITV4.