Saffron Walden will host stage one of the 2024 Ford RideLondon Classique - part of the UCI Women's World Tour race.

The start and finish venues have been confirmed, with Essex again hosting the two opening stages before a finish in London the final day.

Stage one will start in Saffron Walden on Friday, May 24, and finish in Colchester.  

Maldon will be the start and finish point for stage two on Saturday, May 25, while the final stage will take place in London on Sunday, May 26.

Scott Sunderland, Ford RideLondon Classique race director, said: "The Ford RideLondon Classique is growing in stature every year and much of that is down to the exciting and dynamic racing that is offered on the roads of Essex and London and the incredible atmosphere that is generated on the roadside.

"We are delighted to be returning to Saffron Walden, Colchester and Maldon in 2024, as well as our traditional spectacular stage in central London, as we continue to build a cycling legacy in Essex and the capital."

In 2023, the first stage of the race in Saffron Walden was won by the Classique's overall race winner Charlotte Kool, from Dutch Team DSM, now Team dsm-firmenich.

Cllr Petrina Lees, leader of Uttlesford District Council, said: "We are excited the district will once again host the start of the Ford RideLondon Classique Stage One next year.

"The event brings spectators and competitors from far and wide and allows us to showcase our beautiful area.

"We look forward to another successful event."

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In July this year, Essex County Council confirmed that they had extended their partnership with Ford RideLondon, and will continue to host events until 2026.

In addition to the two stages of the Ford RideLondon Classique, these also include the RideLondon-Essex 100, 60 and 30-mile challenge rides.

Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council's cabinet member for planning a growing economy, said: "The event is one of the most prestigious women’s road races in the cycling calendar.

"It is a great event for the whole family to enjoy and really helps to put Essex on the map."