People across Suffolk will get the chance to see some of the world's best cyclists as the final stages of a national cycling event returns to Suffolk.

The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain, a UK-based cycling racing event that started in 1945, will be returning to Suffolk for the seventh time this year.

This year the champion of the competition will be crowned in the final stage in Felixstowe on Sunday, September 8 after battling it out across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Last year the event brought spectators from across the UK to Felixstowe seafrontLast year the event brought spectators from across the UK to Felixstowe seafront (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Lowestoft which will also host the event, last saw the race in 2012 as it ran from Ipswich to the Royal Norfolk Showground.

Full details of the stage routes and further details will be released at a later date.

Last year, crowds flocked to enjoy the race as Belgian racer Wout van Aert's finish at Sea Road in Felixstowe put the cyclist on his way to overall competition glory.

The competitors as they left the start line last yearThe competitors as they left the start line last year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Other notable racers who took part in the event were Tobias Halland Johannessen, Tom Pidcock, Gonzalo Serrano, Sam Bennett and Stephen Williams.

Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, said: “We are thrilled to see the return of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men this year, which is especially exciting as the entire final stage will be held within east Suffolk."

She added: “National sporting events such as the Tour of Britain bring huge benefits to the area, attracting visitors to the district and providing a real boost for local businesses and communities.

"We are looking forward to September and seeing this amazing sporting spectacle in our district.”

Jonathan Day, British Cycling events managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing top-level racing and the joy of cycling to communities across the country in September, with six stages to showcase the very best of Britain’s character and terrain."

He added: “We’re enormously thankful to the local partners who are supporting the delivery of this year’s race, as we look to build on the momentum of June’s successful Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women.

"I’ve no doubt that their communities will be out in force to welcome the riders, and make it another memorable week of racing to cap off a huge summer of cycling.”