Whilst it may only be in the district for 20 minutes, villages across Braintree have much to offer for the cycling connoisseur.
From Britain’s most photographed village in Finchingfield, to the tight right hand bend in Wethersfield, the long fast straight of Shalford or the Railway Bridge and turn in Rayne, Braintree is the ideal location to watch the world’s best riders on this third leg of the race.
Proceeded by the colourful Caravanne Publicitaire at around 11.15am the Tour is expected to reach the Braintree district just after 1pm.
To celebrate the event a host of events and activities will be taking place. In Rayne and Finchingfield large TV screens will take centre stage to give visitors the chance to watch the race in its entirety.
Stalls and entertainment will also be on offer on Finchingfield village green with hog roast, crepes and ice creams all available, as well as a cycling clothing stall, a spinning bike challenge and specially created food hampers all on offer.
In Wethersfield a French-themed café will be operating from the village hall, whilst a range of stalls and food concessions will be available on the green. Street performers will be keeping crowds entertained throughout the day and renowned Tour De France historian Roger St Pierre will be giving a presentation on the history of the tour.
A host of musical acts will also be greeting the crowds in Rayne with the Booking Hall Café’s annual music festival running throughout the weekend and Monday. The line-up will showcase a wide variety of talent from the area ranging from jazz and blues to contemporary pop. Stall and concessions will also be available throughout the village and Braintree BMX club will be on hand providing demonstrations.
Thinking of Camping?
Why not make the most of the experience and get the perfect viewing spot by camping overnight ahead of the tour.
On offer in the district are:
• Boydells Dairy Farm, Wethersfield
01371 850481, enquiries@boydellsdairy.co.uk
• Golden Grove camp site, Great Saling
07917 592310, louise@salinggrove.com
• Shalford Playing Fields camp site, Shalford Village Hall,
07505 282374, tourdefrance.shalford@gmail.com,
• Spains Hall Estate, Finchingfield
01371 811596, enquires@spainshall.co.uk
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