ALMOST 500 cyclists have already signed up for the 21st Tour de Tendring next month.

The event begins at Dovercourt Swimming Pool on May 11 at 10.30am with riders asked to choose between the six, 20 and 60 mile courses.

This year the riders will be hot on the heels of the world’s best female road racers who are competing in the Women’s Tour final stage which leaves from the same venue 30 minutes before.

Tendring Council’s member for tourism Mark Platt is hoping the district will be turned into a festival of cycling thanks to the two races with stage three of the race also finishing in Clacton two days before.

“It promises to be a very special few days for Tendring and one which will hopefully pull in many thousands of people.

“The Women’s Tour gives a real boost for our own Tour de Tendring which I am sure is why we have seen a rise in people signing up at this stage compared to last year and I am sure we will end up with more than the 1,300 participants who signed up in 2013.

“Make sure the date is in your diary and come along and join in what promises to be a fantastic day for all the family.”

To sign up or for more information visit bike-events.com.