Fans of one of Europe's most spectacular sporting events will be able to get up and personal as the Tour of Britain comes to Hadleigh and surrounding villages.

Some of the world's top cyclists will race 192.4km, climbing a total elevation of 1,326m on Thursday, September 7, starting at 8am from Sea Road in Felixstowe, with the leaders finishing at the resort around five to six hours later.

Stage five combines a start and finish in Felixstowe, one of Suffolk's most recognisable seaside towns, and a clockwise loop through the county's quintessentially English villages.

Hadleigh, Bildeston, Wattisham, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Framlingham, Leiston, Freston, Holbrook, Ipswich, and Woodbridge will all feature.

Following the success last year of the Women's; Tour last year, Hadleigh has been chosen as the days only Sprint sections, earning a bonus for the winners.

The leaders will arrive in Layham by about 12.19, and start the sprint on the High Street at 12.23, with the stragglers expected to reach Bridge Street 10minutes later.

Spectators will see about 10-15 minutes of top class cycling action live from any particular viewing spot.

The final six kilometres replicate the final stage of the Women's Tour in 2021, a stage that saw a memorable victory by the then world champion Elisa Balsamo in front of 10,000 spectators.

This year's Tour marks the 19th edition of the modern race, further extending its status as the longest-running incarnation of the event. Previous winners include all-time greats of the sport such as Wout van Aert (2021), Mathieu van der Poel (2019) and Julian Alaphilippe (2018).

Over one million spectators are expected to line the route of this unforgettable event, which also celebrates community pride, inspires future generations through a comprehensive school engagement programme, and promotes healthy living for all.

Fans can get closer to the action in 2023 with our range of hospitality packages and unforgettable race day experiences. Click here for more information.

A revamped points competition will be sponsored by cottages.com, the UK's leading provider of holiday cottages and luxury homes. More details of this year's race, including full stage routes and competing teams, will be announced in the coming weeks.

ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage, as well as a nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch the action unfold wherever they are. International coverage will be available in over 100 countries via Discovery Player and GCN+.

16 teams in Tour of Britain..

Top 16 teams competing...