Colchester City Council has announced a free Spectator Zone from 11:00 on Hollytree’s Meadow (in Castle Park) to watch and celebrate the finish of the opening stage of the Ford RideLondon Classique which finishes in Colchester on Friday, 26 May.
Located in the heart of Castle Park, the spectator zone will offer a great view of the race, which is part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, the highest level of women’s racing in the world. A big screen will be set up to broadcast live coverage of the finish and there will be catering and a bouncy castle for children to enjoy.
Local community and sporting groups will also be on hand to provide entertainment and information on their activities, including The Anti Loo Roll Brigade, Essex University, the African Family Society, Essex County Council mobile library, Essex Pedal Power, Community360, Healthwatch Essex, Changing Lives, and with more to be announced.
Stage One of the Ford RideLondon Classique begins in Saffron Walden at 11:00 on Friday 26 May with the finish on East Hill expected to be between 14.30 and 15:00. People can watch the finish in person on East Hill or in Castle Park on the big screen where they can still get a glimpse of the world’s best riders in person as they pass Colchester Castle once they’re over the finish line.
Cllr Julie Young, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing & Communities, said: “With Colchester’s Year of Celebration in full swing, the event promises to be a fitting celebration of the town's rich sporting heritage. We know large screens are popular in Castle Park. I’m sure Colchester residents and visitors will come together to watch this momentous race as it approaches our city and join in with the cheer and celebration.
“In late Spring, the weather should be beautiful, and I cannot think of a better way to launch the bank holiday weekend. It promises to be an unforgettable day out.”
The Ford RideLondon Classique finish is just one event scheduled in 2023 to celebrate Colchester becoming a city. In June Colchester Zoo has a Big Birthday Bash and Zoobilee, Castle Park is putting on a Medieval Fayre; and the Colchester Food & Drink Festival is back. For a full list of Year of Celebration events visit, Visit Colchester, here.
For more information on Stage One of the Ford RideLondon Classique, including the full route, map and timings, see here.
Page last reviewed: 5 May 2023