With the Tour de France currently in the headlines, today we are looking back at cycle races around Suffolk over the years.

Ipswich Star: Cyclists racing in Felixstowe in 1976Cyclists racing in Felixstowe in 1976 (Image: Archant)

A cycle race in Felixstowe in 1976 is among the events featured in this gallery. Large numbers of riders joined in, picking up speed as they headed down Bent Hill.

Also fondly remembered is the Ipswich Cycle Race round the town in 1981.

Ipswich Star: Taking a tight corner along one of the streets in Ipswich during the race around town in 1981Taking a tight corner along one of the streets in Ipswich during the race around town in 1981 (Image: Archant)

Big crowds turned out to support the event, which featured both professional and amateur cyclists and a range of vehicles, including tricycles.

Ipswich Star: Tricycles making it round the corner with crowds cheering them during the Ipswich cycle race around town in 1981Tricycles making it round the corner with crowds cheering them during the Ipswich cycle race around town in 1981 (Image: Archant)

Also featured are memories of two-wheeled events in Woodbridge in the 1980s and 1990s, and an Essex cycle race in Halstead.

Ipswich Star: The Grand Prix of Essex cycle race at Halstead in March 1984The Grand Prix of Essex cycle race at Halstead in March 1984 (Image: Archant)

Did you take part in any of these events, or stand on the side lines to cheer the cyclists on their way?

Ipswich Star: Riders going around a bend in the Woodbridge Cycle Race in 1993Riders going around a bend in the Woodbridge Cycle Race in 1993 (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order copies of photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: Cyclists in the Woodbridge town races in 1988Cyclists in the Woodbridge town races in 1988 (Image: Archant)