Some of the best cyclists in the world will ride through Barkway as the Ford RideLondon Classique heads to Hertfordshire for the first time.

The race is part of the UCI Women's World Tour - the highest level of professional cycling - and will see teams and riders compete over three days across Herts, Essex, Cambridgeshire and central London.

On Friday, May 24, riders will spend the early part of Stage One in Herts, where the 'first spectacle' of the race will take place. 

Riders will compete for the first 'Queen of the Mountains' points - awarded to those first up a notable hill - at Cokenach, in Barkway, at around 11.30am.

After Barkway, the race - which began in Saffron Walden - will head to Buckland, Buntingford, Great Hormead, Brent Pelham and Pelham Gate, before returning to Essex and finishing in Colchester.

Temporary road closures will be put in place as the stage passes through Herts, with no area scheduled to be impacted for longer than 45 minutes.

All addresses on or near the route will shortly receive a leaflet from the Ford RideLondon Classique organisers, which will contain oad closure times, maps and contact information.

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "The Ford RideLondon Classique provides a great chance to see some of the best female cyclists racing through Hertfordshire.

"I’m sure it will be a wonderful spectacle and will offer the opportunity to see the race with a backdrop of beautiful local countryside.

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"You don’t have to be a professional though to enjoy the benefits of cycling. It’s a great way to get outdoors whatever your age and can help improve individual health and wellbeing, as well as supporting better air quality and reducing traffic congestion."

Riders taking part include British star and London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Deignan and current world champion Lotte Kopecky, as well as the last two champions of the race - Lorena Weibes and Charlotte Kool.

Stage Two takes place on Saturday, May 25 in Essex, while the final stage takes place in London on the Sunday.