<b>By Ivor Biggun
Cycling Correspondent

The Tour de France could sensationally be moved to Suffolk because professional cyclists have been forced off drugs and can now longer cope with steep hills.</b>

"Since we enforced a ban on illegal stimulants and rigorously carried out blood tests, the cyclists can no longer get up most of the hills in France," a Tour insider told the Suffolk Gazette. "And the mountain stages are now totally out of the question."

Suffolk, with its flat or low-rolling countryside is seen as ideal territory for the new generation of clean cyclists. Former yellow jersey winner Sir Bradley Wiggins confirmed last night that he would not be joining the race.

"I thought my Tour days were over," he said. "I was just totally sick of riding up hills. It really hurts your legs. But Suffolk will be great. My Auntie Brenda lives near Saxmundham, so I should know."

Tour de France bosses are expected to reveal their decision to uproot to Suffolk in the coming weeks.

The move has prompted the Suffolk Gazette to launch its own professional cycling team on the understanding it will receive huge support in its home county. Top riders are already queueing up to be part of the elite team, including last year's Tour winner, Chris Froome.

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Professional riders are alre

Fellow winner Chris Froome said he was ‘over the moon’. ‘This is a sensible move. I’m quite fair skinned and no matter how much sun lotion I put on I just burn in the south of France.’

There was huge excitement as it was announced the Tour will finish in Felixstowe with the award ceremony beamed around the world live from outside Peter’s Ice Cream kiosk at the bottom of Bent Hill.

 Sprint champion Mark Cavendish added his support. ‘The flat bits have always been my favourites. I’ll admit I’m a bit worried about the finish in Felixstowe and coming up Convalescent Hill. It’s steeper than you think. Most people get off and push so I might do that too.’

However, the British Medical Association expressed concern about the lengthy award ceremony in which riders are clad only in lycra shorts and tops. ‘This type of clothing may be fine in France but we have genuine concerns about the winners catching a chill. That north-easterly breeze can be deceptive. We recommend warm tracksuits’

In other news: Bernie Ecclestone surprises F1 world by bid to relocate Monaco Grand Prix to his home town of Lowestoft.

 


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