Opening stage of Tour of Britain finishes on Suffolk coast

The world's best riders whizzed through the streets of Suffolk as the country's biggest cycling race got under way.

The Lloyd's Tour of Britain Men's opening stage began in Woodbridge at 11:00 BST.

Riders raced through East Suffolk, taking in Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Halesworth, Bungay, Beccles and Wrentham - before finishing in Southwold at about 15:05 BST.

Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to cheer on the peloton before the second stage takes place on Wednesday, starting and finishing in Stowmarket.

Cyclist Geraint Thomas OBE, who previously won the 2018 Tour de France, is taking part in what will be his final professional race.

The Tour will conclude in his home city of Cardiff on Sunday.

"The main thing is enjoying it really, making the most of it, something to remember," he said prior to the opening stage.

"We've got a strong team here, so I'm doing my bit for the boys.

"I'm not really in the shape to win myself, but we've got some good guys here to perform."

A small part of the route had to be altered through the village of Butley after a water main pipe burst.

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