Large stretches of roads across Essex – including in Epping Forest – will be closed as thousands of bike riders cycle around the county.

The county will welcome 25,000 cyclists as RideLondon takes in 65 miles of Essex roads on Sunday May 29.

The route will start in central London, enter Essex via Epping Forest and pass through Chipping Ongar and picturesque villages such as Fyfield and Leaden Roding before reaching Great Dunmow.

Felsted will mark just over halfway in the 100-mile ride, as cyclists head back south towards Chelmsford on the 2014 Tour de France route. They will then head west towards Writtle and then back towards Chipping Ongar, into London once more ahead of an iconic finish at Tower Bridge.

A leaflet, with full details of the road closures, will be delivered to all households and businesses near the route in April.

This is the first year of a partnership that brings the RideLondon-Essex 100, 60 and 30 mass participation rides into the county.

The county will also host two stages of the RideLondon Classique, a three day UCI Women’s WorldTour race.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for highways, maintenance and sustainable transport, said: "We’re delighted to be partnering with RideLondon. Essex has a strong legacy in major cycling events, having previously hosted the mountain biking at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a stage of the Tour de France in 2014.

"With our beautiful countryside and picturesque villages, there’s a lot more to Essex than a lot of people realise and we’re looking forward to showcasing the county to riders and spectators alike."