MORE than 1,000 cyclists are expected to gear up for Tendring’s answer to the Tour de France.

Final preparations are being put in place for this year’s Tour de Tendring on Sunday and it is hoped it will be as popular as ever.

The cyclists will be taking part in three different distances.

There will be six-mile, 20-mile and 60-mile routes, all leaving from and finishing at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles in Low Road.

The event is organised each year by Tendring Council and Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said the event attracts cyclists of all abilities and ages.

He added it was also an opportunity for those taking part to raise money for their chosen charities.

He said: “We have around 500 cyclists signed up to take part in the event already but the final turnout on the day usually depends on how kind the weather is.

“If the conditions are favourable we can see literally hundreds more arriving at the starting line to swell the numbers to the 1,000 mark and beyond.”

The start time for the two longer distances is between 8.30am and 9.30am, while those heading off on the six miles will depart between 9.30am and 10.30am.

The three circular routes all go through the picturesque Tendring district.

The longest route goes out towards Clacton, St Osyth and Great Bentley and then back into Great Oakley before finishing back at the start.

The six mile family ride is mostly traffic free as it passes through the historic town of Harwich.

It then goes up to the coast, passing three lighthouses on the way back to the finish.

A variety of entertainment has been arranged for the participants, including the Chase Lane Cheerleaders and music by Fraser Morgan, Jared Harley, Harry Cash and The Loose Change and the Harwich Sing Choir.

For information about the event or for information on the cost of entering, please go to bike-events.com