Starting in one of the oldest cities in England we have the oldest race in OCM. Essex Tour is about to start and the race in the south east of England is a very important one. Only three stages but very prestigious and many top division teams have been waiting a complete season to enter this race
Colchester – Saffron Walden
The first stage gives the riders a chance to secure a great position for a good General Classification and will go to Saffron Waldon in the north western part of Essex. The hills that the riders pass to Saffron Walden will reak havoc amongst the peloton and only the strongest will stay up front. Maybe a rider will finish solo, ahead of the bunch. Special riders that could do that are;
 Benjamin Kervel, NECFTW
 Thor Brokker, Stroopwafel
Jarl Brondum, ABK
Maldon (ITT)
When the riders are in Maldon the specialist aganist the clock are ready to move up the ranks and perhaps challenge the leaders jersey. If they have done well in the first stage they could even end up securing a fantastic place in the General Classification. Situated near the North Sea the wind could play a major part | | in this stage, the forecast is pretty decent though. The winding roads of Maldon do require some technique from the riders to stay on their bikes. Some timetrial riders that are eager are;
 Florian Everaerts, Andeby
 Peter Drakulic, Kremer
 Janis Macela, Team Majones
Maldon – Chelmsford
Only dissaster can give us a new leader after two stages but, with three stages in Essex we still can have another leader in the end. It would be special though as this last stage to Chelmsford will give a sprinter the victory most likely. Being the 'birthplace of radio' the tour radio is situated on the exact site where Marconi started his wireless telegraph company. Talk about knowing your history. In the end we will see a bunch sprint in the streets of Chelmsford. Sprinters of the day could be;
 Oystein Ottesen, YuriSuperTeam
 Frederick Longosiwa, Nairobi City Cycling Club
 Rex Adamson, Gradient Levellers
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| | | | General Classification
Dennis Nielsen, Nairobi City Cycling Club
Peter Drakulic, Kremer
Florian Everaerts, Andeby
Youth Classification
Florian Everaerts, Andeby
Sven Ulsturp, Nobodies
Christoffer Dobbelaere, Cremtec
Cycling the Essex Tour yourself
Cultural sites and Constable Country.
Routes around Colchester and Dedham. For a relaxing ride visit Constable Country. Its sublime gently rolling landscape broken by Dedham church and the mills and barns that Constable immortalised in the 19th century can be best explored on foot or by bike. For something more energetic and diverse head for Colchester, a place which offers a happy blend of heritage of international importance together with a strong contemporary atmosphere.
Medieval markets, mazes and Morris dancing.
Routes around Saffron Walden and Thaxted. The route meanders through some of the most beautiful north Essex countryside. As with all routes you can start and finish wherever it suits you. Make sure you visit the attractive historic town of Thaxted with its landmark buildings and the ancient market town of Saffron Walden with a rich heritage and many attractions.
Chelmsford treats and riverside retreats.
Routes around Chelmsford and Maldon. Chelmsford, known as the birthplace of radio, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan town surrounded by picturesque villages each with their own charm and history. As you cycle towards Maldon the landscape slowly changes revealing the character of Estuary landscape. As you cycle down to the Quay the most impressive and spectacular view spreads in front of you - the graceful and majestic Thames Sailing Barges.
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