The Tour of Britain became the biggest sporting event to ever take place in Harlow when stage six of the UK’s leading cycle race finished in the town on Friday 8 September.
The race, which attracts the world’s top riders and is broadcast worldwide in over 150 countries, finished along Third Avenue having set off from Southend-On-Sea earlier in the day.
Harlow has never previously welcomed the Tour of Britain, but did host a stage of its sister race – the Women’s Tour – in June 2022.
On the day of the race local schools got the opportunity to ride on the finishing straight. The crowds built throughout the afternoon in anticipation for the finish and it did not disappoint! The winner of the stage six of the race had to be separated via a photo finish.
The winner of stage six, Danny van Poppel pipped British rider Ethan Vernon by a tyre-width. It was a great ending to an event which will help put Harlow on the UK and world map.
Here is a selection of comments left on our Facebook page:
“Great event and so pleased to have positive focus on Harlow. We need more of it!”
“Loved watching the cyclists go through Katherine's Way and great to see so many people watch it.”
“Great comments about Harlow by ITV4 commentator last night ….. At last!”
“So enjoyed being a ‘Race Maker’ today! It was lovely seeing the children cycling across the finish line.”
“Excellent event for Harlow!”
Tour of Britain photo gallery
