Felixstowe has been handed a double delight after being announced the resort will host the start and finish of the Tour of Great Britain's Sage Five.

While it was already known more than 100 of the world's elite cyclists will sprint into the resort for the finish on September 7 it was revealed last night that the race will also start in Felixstowe.

The race will also take in the stunning Shotley peninsula Needham Market, Stowmarket, Framlingham, Leiston, and Woodbridge

Full details of stage five – including the stage timetable – will be announced in due course.

Since its return in 2004, the Tour of Britain has become a cornerstone of the UK sporting calendar. Over 15 million people have watched the event in person, with the race generating over £330m for the UK economy to date. Former winners include Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe (2018), the two-time world champion, and Belgian star Wout van Aert (2021), while British sporting hero Mark Cavendish holds the record for the most stage victories (10).

Full details of stage five – including the race timetable – will be announced in due course.

Karen Chapman, Partnership Manager, Suffolk Growth, said: "We are thrilled to showcase the full route of the Tour of Britain through the engaging and innovative approach of our social media campaign. The projection mapping onto Suffolk's landmarks has generated tremendous excitement. This event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate this world-class cycling event in our beautiful county."

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, added: "The build-up by our partners in Suffolk and Motion Mapping was inspiring. It really added to the excitement for this route reveal. It has been great to see famous locations in Suffolk illuminated with the Tour of Britain brand and we now look forward to lighting up the county with some exciting racing from the world's best teams and riders in September."

Sharon Head, Motion Mapping spokesperson, said: "As a Suffolk based company we are thrilled to be sponsoring the Tour of Britain, Suffolk stage. We look forward to working with the organisers and promoting the event in the coming weeks, showcasing Suffolk."

Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for the East Anglia Hub offshore windfarms, said: "We're very proud to be part of this stage of the Tour of Britain, which will shine a light on Suffolk's fabulous towns, villages, coastline and countryside not just to those elite riders taking part, but to everyone watching across the county and at home. Our Suffolk offshore wind projects will not only help power a cleaner and greener future for us all, they will also ensure we are part of the Suffolk community for decades to come. So, as a responsible developer and a good neighbour – and a keen cyclist myself – it's fantastic to team up with Suffolk Growth and the Tour of Britain to celebrate all that Suffolk has to offer through this spectacular sporting event."