Cycling fans will be able to play their part in the Tour de France by volunteering when the race arrives next summer.

Essex residents are needed on July 7, when the Tour’s third stage enters Braintree district on its way from Cambridge to London.

The first two stages of the famous race will take place in Yorkshire next year, before it moves to mainland France the day after visiting Essex.

Ann Naylor, Essex County Council cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Le Tour in Essex in 2014, building on our county’s success hosting other great sporting events such as the Olympic mountain biking event and the torch relay for London 2012.

“As we saw with those events, the contribution made by hard working volunteers really helps to makes them special, so if you would like to get involved and become a tour maker for stage three, I urge you to sign up now.”

An estimated 200 riders, including British champions Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, are expected to race through the streets of Finchingfield, Wethersfield and Rayne.

Anyone interested in volunteering needs to register their interest by January 20 by visiting letour.yorkshire.com/tour-makers.

After registering, potential volunteers will be given more details about the application process and the opportunities available.