WORLD-class riders are set to inspire a whole new generation of elite female athletes as families lined the streets to watch The Women’s Tour in awe.

The annual competition is seen by many as Britain’s most prestigious women’s cycling race, showcasing some of the best sportspeople in the world.

Now parents and community leaders, who watched the event, say it will help encourage youngsters to jump on their bikes and reach for the stars.

The international event was beamed across the world, shining a light on Southend as well as firmly putting it on the map.

Dad-of-three, Simon Bolton, who took his family, said he’d love to see his children leading the cycling events one day.

He said: “I think it also encourages lots of other people to ride and race and cycle too.

Echo: Nina Kessler of Team TIBCO Silicon Valley Bank on the podium taking the sprints leaders jersey in stage 4 - Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com Nina Kessler of Team TIBCO Silicon Valley Bank on the podium taking the sprints leaders jersey in stage 4 - Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com

“While inspiring children is so key - I can see the race helping to get some people more active.

“We all need to be taking more exercise and what better to way to get more people to take it up.

“We’ve loved cycling in our family and it’s a great way to exercise while having fun.

“I also hope the Women’s Tour coming to Southend will, and has, educated lots of residents and families about the sport and racing event.”

Mum of two Carole Browne who watched on the seafront with her children said the race is so inspirational.

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She said: “This is so inspiring for the children and we could see the next competitors and winners from Southend.

“It’s amazing for women and girls to see this and see what they can achieve.

“In what can be called a man’s world this shows women are leading the way - and how great to have the women’s race before the men’s.

“I think it’s also so vital as teenagers today often have confidence issues and worries but I hope this helps and shows them they can reach for the stars.”

She said the race must be an inspiration and legacy for the greatest in women in Southend.

Margaret Borton, mayor of Southend, met winners and racers yesterday in Shoebury and Southend.

Echo: Sprint - Lorena Wiebes of Team DSM - Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com Sprint - Lorena Wiebes of Team DSM - Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com

She said the world-class event shows how great women can be.

She added: “I think this amazing event will help inspire young people to get into cycling.

“It also shows what greatness can be done and achieved and it’s even bigger that it’s all about women and the huge things they can rise to.”

She said it was a great atmosphere on the day.

Lots of young and older residents were clearly impressed by the striking scenes and sights, as well as the excellent sportswomen.

Bosses were forced to reschedule this year’s event after the initial dates in June were moved due to Covid restrictions.

Established in 2014, it forms part of the prestigious UCI Women’s WorldTour.