Another major cycling race is heading for Braintree.

The Friends Life Women's Tour is coming to the area for the first time, hot on the wheel spokes of last year's Tour de France.

About 100 of the world's top cyclists will start stage two of the race in the district on June 18 and finish in Clacton.

Last year's winner was Marianne Vos and hundreds of thousands of spectators turn out at the roadside for the five day event.

Jo Beavis, Braintree Council cabinet member for people and participation, said: “The Tour De France put Braintree on the map for cycling, and some six months later we are still seeing hundreds of visitors coming to our district to enjoy the fantastic scenery and great rides that rural Essex has to offer.

“It is very rare that you have the opportunity to see elite athletes in action, and so it is a real honour that following the success of Le Tour, we have been selected to welcome this year’s Friends Life Women’s Tour, in which we will see some of the world’s best female riders competing in what is one of the biggest races in the world.

"I am sure the residents of Braintree, Halstead and the villages it will pass through will be out in force for what will be a fantastic spectacle.”