Were you among the crowds lining the streets of Ipswich to watch the Milk Race in the 1980s?

Ipswich Star: The final stretch of the Milk Race in Ipswich in 1983 Picture: ARCHANTThe final stretch of the Milk Race in Ipswich in 1983 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The prestigious cycling event visited several times over the years. Our gallery contains photos from stages held in the town in 1983, 1985 and 1987.

Ipswich Star: Did you watch the Milk Race in Ipswich in 1983? Picture: ARCHANTDid you watch the Milk Race in Ipswich in 1983? Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The race, sponsored by the Milk Marketing Board, ran annually from 1958 to 1993 and attracted top competitors.

Ipswich Star: The beginnings of the Milk Race which went round Ipswich in 1987 Picture: ARCHANTThe beginnings of the Milk Race which went round Ipswich in 1987 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Up to 1984 it was an amateur-only event, but from 1985 onwards professionals also competed.

Ipswich Star: Some of the front runners in the Milk Race in 1987 Picture: ARCHANTSome of the front runners in the Milk Race in 1987 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

MORE: Stock car racing from Foxhall in Days Gone BySince the end of the Milk Race, other major cycling events have visited Suffolk, including the Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour.

Ipswich Star: The Milk Race in Ipswich in 1987 Picture: ARCHANTThe Milk Race in Ipswich in 1987 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The Women’s Tour had been due to visit the county this year, but had to be postponed because of coronavirus. It is now planning to hold its final stage in Suffolk in 2021.

Ipswich Star: The race turning onto Tavern Street as streets were closed off for the Ipswich stage of the Milk Race in 1987 Picture: ARCHANTThe race turning onto Tavern Street as streets were closed off for the Ipswich stage of the Milk Race in 1987 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

What are your memories of the Milk Race? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to Judy Rimmer, Newsroom, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1RS. To order photos, visit archantsuffolk.newsprints.co.uk or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: No barriers between riders and the public as onlookers watched the race in 1983 Picture: JERRY TURNER/ARCHANTNo barriers between riders and the public as onlookers watched the race in 1983 Picture: JERRY TURNER/ARCHANT

Ipswich Star: Riders set out with the leader attempting to set a quick pace in 1985 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANTRiders set out with the leader attempting to set a quick pace in 1985 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANT (Image: PAUL NIXON)

Ipswich Star: Crowds lined up along the barriers to catch a glimpse of the race in 1983 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANTCrowds lined up along the barriers to catch a glimpse of the race in 1983 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANT (Image: PAUL NIXON)