Southend-on-Sea will host stage 6 of the Tour of Britain

September 1, 2023

The City of Southend-on-Sea prepares to welcome the world’s elite cyclists as they get set to race in stage six of the Tour of Britain 2023.

The tour will see world champion cyclists race through the streets of Southend on their way to Harlow, as part of the prestigious competition.

This means some roads will be restricted or temporarily closed, to accommodate the race and others will form part of a rolling roadblock and closed for a short period of time to allow the cyclists to safely pass through.

The race will start between Robertos and The Three Shells on Western Esplanade at 11.45am and weave through areas of Southend-on-Sea, Rochford, South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham-on-Crouch and Ingatestone before finishing at about 3.30pm in Harlow.

Parking restrictions will be put in place the evening before the race on Thursday 7 September. Then from 4.45am the start area in Marine Parade and Western Esplanade will be closed to traffic as the start crew and facilities begin to arrive on site.

The roads affected by roadblocks for the start of the race include:

Marine Parade

Western Esplanade

Eastern Esplanade

Thorpe Esplanade

Ness Road

North Shoebury Road

Poynters Lane

The traffic will be affected for approx. 30 minutes as the race passes through these roads between 11.45am and 12 midday.

Cllr Daniel Nelson, cabinet member for economic recovery and investment, said: “As cabinet member and a keen cyclist myself, I am thrilled that such an elite and world-renowned cycling event has chosen to start the sixth stage of the tour in Southend-on-Sea.

“As well as putting Southend on the world stage and showcasing the beauty of our seafront and residential areas, it will also bring welcome income into the City, much as the Women’s Tour did in 2021, as cycling enthusiasts take advantage of being a part of this unique experience and visit.

“I want to thank residents for their support with closures and apologise to motorists for any minor inconvenience caused by the temporary road closures, and wish the cyclists the best of luck in the race.”

To find out more about the race, visit the council website.