A PRESTIGIOUS cycle race has announced it will be returning to Maldon for another crowd-pulling event.

Stage two of the UCI Women’s WorldTour race in 2024 will once again both start and finish in the centre of Maldon.

The second part of the race will take place on Saturday, May 25.

The Ford RideLondon Classique is part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, which sees some of the world's best cyclists taking part.

The race takes place in three parts, with the first date on Friday, May 24, starting in Saffron Walden and finishing in Colchester and the final stage on Sunday, May 26 starting and finishing in London.

A partnership between Essex County Council and Ford RideLondon has ensured two stages of the Classique will be held in Essex until 2026.

Maldon District Council leader Richard Siddall said: “I am delighted that the prestigious Ford RideLondon Classique race will once again be returning to our district on Saturday 25 May.

“I really hope that residents will turn out in force to support this wonderful spectacle and cheer on the world’s best female cyclists, as they race through and around the area and reach the finish Line in Maldon.”

Race director Scott Sunderland said: “The Ford RideLondon Classique is growing in stature every year and much of that is down to the exciting and dynamic racing that is offered on the roads of Essex and London and the incredible atmosphere that is generated on the roadside.

“We are delighted to be returning to Saffron Walden, Colchester and Maldon in 2024, as well as our traditional spectacular stage in central London, as we continue to build a cycling legacy in Essex and the capital.”

Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for planning a growing economy, said: “We are really excited to see the Ford RideLondon Classique return to Essex for the next three years.

“The event is one of the most prestigious women’s road races in the cycling calendar, featuring some of best riders from across the world.

“It is a great event for the whole family to enjoy and really helps to put Essex on the map.”