The Women's Tour, Britain's longest running women's stage cycling race and part of the UCI Women's WorldTour, not only wowed spectators on its first stage from Colchester to Bury St Edmunds, which included Hadleigh, Bildeston and neighbouring villages, this summer but also helped generate almost £1.1m of net economic benefit.

Figures according to an independent survey out today (Friday 28 October) from race organisers, Sweetspot showed the tangible boon to our area..

On Monday 6 June. 97 riders from 17 international teams sped through Essex and Suffolk for Stage 1, which also went through Brantham, Stutton, Holbrook, Freston, Wherstead and Tattingstone.

Following the tour's 'Grand Depart' from the Sports Park at Colchester Northern Gateway, the race also passed through Colchester, Manningtree and into Suffolk through Bildeston, Stowmarket and Lavenham to the finish line on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds. 

The event was hosted by Colchester Borough Council and Suffolk County Council in partnership with West Suffolk and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and supported by Colchester Amphora Trading, Suffolk Growth, Colchester BID, East of England Co-op and Vertas.  

The '2022 Women's Tour Economic Impact Report', based on findings from a web-based survey of 527 Women's Tour spectators, reveals that over 45,500 spectators lined the 88 mile route on the day, with more than 15,000 of these coming to see the event from outside of their local areas and over 80% pledging to visit the area again.

The local hospitality industry also benefited with 8,000 attendees enjoying overnight stays and spending on average £138.80; whilst the average spend for day visitors was £52.96.

The one-hour TV Highlights programme shown on ITV4 and Eurosport generated a combined audience of 460,500, showcasing the region to a global audience, promoting the area as a destination of choice for tourism.

Womens Tour sprinted through Hadleigh

Karen Chapman, Partnership Manager, Suffolk Growth: "At Suffolk Growth we think it's important that high profile major sporting events and festivals such as the Women's tour are staged locally.

"We were therefore pleased to support our partners with the stage 1 finish in Bury St Edmunds and delighted that the Women's Tour once again has made such a positive impact in Suffolk, in its first post covid June running.

"It is an event that uniquely brings communities together along the route, stimulates the local economy with a direct financial impact, raises aspirations and ambitions through exposure to sporting champions, and showcases Suffolk as an exceptional visitor destination to a global audience".

Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection at Suffolk County Council, added: "It's always a pleasure to host the Women's Tour here in Suffolk.

"The race brings with it a feeling of pride and a real boost to residents, particularly to those who live along the route. It also showcases to a global audience, all that Suffolk has to offer for visitors to the county. 

"Sporting events like these are a great way to encourage residents to be more active, with 61% of spectators saying they were inspired to cycle more often following this year's race."