Two teenage BMX riders greeted the man in charge of the Tour de France as he visited Essex ahead of this year’s race.

General director Christian Prudhomme met with council officials on Tuesday as he toured the roads which will host the third stage of the race on July 7.

Outside County Hall, he was joined by Lana Ridgewell, 18, who attends the College at Braintree, and Notley High School pupil Shane Redgewell, 15, who are both members of Braintree BMX Club.

The world’s best cyclists will pass through Finchingfield and Rayne on July 7 as part of a 99-mile stage from Cambridge to London.

Mr Prudhomme said: “The race moves on to Essex to showcase the county’s beautiful towns, villages and countryside, before moving onto London for a spectacular finish on the Mall.

“We are proud to come back to London and the UK, which will provide an incredible backdrop for the Tour.”