Saffron Walden Tour Starts 24 Hours Early

4 January 2014, 10:54 | Updated: 20 May 2014, 18:31

Up to 1,000 amateur cyclists are expected to sign up to ride the Saffron Walden stage of the Tour de France, the day before elite riders race along the route.

The ride, which will be on Sunday 6 July is being organised by The Round Table, who are organising the Saffron Walden Carnival.

Cycling club Walden Velo is also involved in the event.

Stage three of the world-famous Tour de France cycle race will then pass through Saffron Walden on Monday 7 July.

It will arrive in the Essex town after beginning the day in Cambridge, and will end the day in London, including a sprint along The Mall in the capital.

Simon Hotchkiss, from the Waldeon Velo Cycling Club, said: "The purpose of this is firstly, for people to enjoy the ride.

Secondly, all the money that riders raise from their entry fees on that day will be given to the carnival committee, who are working on behalf of The Round Table, and be donated to local charities.

People from the age of 12 upwards can enter.

It starts and finishes in the centre of town, and covers part of the iconic route that will take place the following day with all the professional riders on it."

Click here to sign up and cycle the route.

Meanwhile, residents have until Monday 20 January to register their interest as Tour Makers during the UK stages of the Tour de France.

Organisers are looking for volunteers to welcome and assist visitors along the stages.

Click here to get more information about becoming a Tour Maker.