The two sprints within Stage Six of the Women's Tour, which finishes in Felixstowe on Saturday, October 9, have been announced.

Long Melford and Needham Market have been chosen for the sprints which offer bonus seconds for the riders meaning the sprints could help decide the 2021 Women's Tour champion.

Cllr Mark Jepson, Mayor of Felixstowe, said: "Felixstowe town council is delighted to be supporting the Women's Tour on its return to Suffolk this year and is proud to be hosting the finale of this fantastic race.

"With many activities planned that weekend, the riders can expect a festival atmosphere as they cross the finish line at Felixstowe seafront."

The SKODA Queen of the Mountains climbs will be in Glemsford and Clopton.

This will be the first time Glemsford and Clopton have hosted SKODA Queen of the Mountains climbs. Skate's Hill in Glemsford averages a 5.5% gradient of just over 500 metres up into the village of Glemsford.

The climb at Clopton Hill, the final climb of the race, comes after 113 kilometres of racing and is where the final points towards the SKODA Queen of the Mountains jersey will be awarded.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health, Communities and Public Protection, said: "It's exciting to have the Sprint and Queen of the Mountains Climb locations confirmed, which should make for a thrilling and challenging final stage of this year's race here in Suffolk.

"It's great that these competitive sections will be spread out across the county, giving spectators across Suffolk the opportunity to cheer on some of the World's top female riders."

Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, said: "Excitement continues to grow for the return of the Tour this year and no doubt spectators will love seeing some of the world's best cyclists fight it out in the sprints before racing to be crowned the 2021 Women's Tour champion in the Final Stage in Felixstowe."

Race Director Mick Bennett, said: "It is great to publish the details of the Sprints and ŠKODA Queen of the Mountains for the Suffolk stage to complete all of the key information about the route.

"We well know how important the bonus seconds at the Sprints can be so these two locations will be ones to watch if things are tight in the overall standings going into Stage Six."

The final race of the tour sets off from Haverhill before winding its way to Felixstowe seafront on the afternoon of Saturday, October 9.