The UK's biggest professional cycle race, the men's Tour of Britain, is heading to Suffolk on Thursday 7 September, and as the riders flash past on their way through the county, it's the colourful jerseys that will enable spectators to pick out their favourites in the peloton and cheer them on.

The jerseys are an important part of the kit for the 19 teams that will be taking part, and in the build-up to the event, partners across Suffolk have come together to launch a special competition to design a jersey to be presented to the winner of the stage that passes through our region and finishes in Felixstowe.

If you a budding designer, are creative and you love cycling. Then this is the competition for you.

Winners will receive two VIP hospitality tickets for the finish in Felixstowe, a jersey in their design to keep and the opportunity to present their jersey design on the stage. 

Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, who cycles as her main form of transport, said: "We can't wait to welcome the world's elite cyclists back to the East Suffolk coast this September – and this design competition gives young creatives the chance to be part of the race itself

"We all know what the district has to offer as a place to live, work and visit, and hosting the Tour gives us the chance to showcase its appeal on a global stage."I hope that being close to the action will not only encourage more people to embrace cycling for transport and exercise, but also inspire future generations to take on new challenges and realise their ambitions."

Karen Chapman, of the Suffolk Growth Partnership, said: "The Tour of Britain provides an amazing opportunity for Suffolk residents, businesses and communities to experience the UK's, and indeed one of the world's, foremost cycling events. We are keen to expand this experience beyond race day and enable wider engagement through a series of events. The jersey design competition will showcase Suffolk's creative talents and give the winners a unique chance to join the event as a VIP."

Among the judges will be former Grand Tour stage winner, Dan Martin, who is now Race Ambassador for the Tour of Britain.

"Competitions like this are a great way to get communities involved in the Tour of Britain and for someone to ultimately have the unique opportunity to present their design on the finish podium," he said.

"I am looking forward to seeing the creativity of fans in Suffolk and playing a part in deciding which jerseys will be brough to life for the Tour of Britain in September."

There will be three winners in total from three age categories – under 12, 12-17, and 18 and over.

A selection of six entries (two per age group) will be shortlisted by a panel of judges and published on social media for the public to vote for their favourites.

Enter by downloading the jersey template at the Taste of the Tour website, then design your jersey either by hand or digitally, and upload your design via the form on the website by the deadline of Friday 7 July.

Full terms and conditions can be found on the website, along with guidelines for competition entrants, who can also visit The Cycle Jersey website for some inspiration.