Excitement is reaching fever pitch with the arrival of the Tour de France just weeks away.

The cream of the cycling crop will be cycling through Uttlesford on Monday, July 7 when Stage 3 of Le Tour gets underway from Cambridge.

First to get a glimpse of the cyclists when they leave the city will be the South Cambridgeshire village of Great Shelford, before the peloton swings by Duxford, Whittlesford, Hinxton and into Essex at Great Chesterford. The race then goes into Saffron Walden, Radwinter, The Sampfords and Felsted on its way towards London.

Residents across the county are being encouraged to think about what they are doing on the day as roads along the route will be closed and all other roads are expected to be very busy.

Public transport, such as train and bus services, is also expected to be very busy and residents are advised to contact local operators for more information. There is also a list of bus services affected in the Public transport section on LeTourEssex.com.

Cllr Ann Naylor, Essex County Council cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “This is going to be a very exciting day for Essex and we want everyone in the county to enjoy it and make the most of the day, and part of this is planning ahead.

“If you do need to travel I’d encourage you to plan your journey. Travel early and leave plenty of time for your trip.”

The peloton will arrive in Walden via Windmill Hill, before continuing down High Street, turning left on to George Street, travelling up Hill Street and then out towards Radwinter via East Street and the B1053. It will also pass through Finchingfield.

There will be disruption with roads along the route closed to all traffic (except the emergency services) from 7.30am until 4pm. This means no one will be able to drive along or access any part of the route.

There will also be no on-street parking on the route permitted on the day.

Cllr Howard Rolfe, Uttlesford District Council’s cabinet member for engagements and partnerships, said: “The momentum and excitement is building here in Uttlesford with less than four weeks to go.

“We have been working hard to ensure that residents and businesses are fully aware of the road closures and impact that the race will have upon the district. Shortly we will be sending letters to all those residents that live on or adjoin the route to remind them about restricted access to their homes and use of their vehicles after 7.30am.

“It is important for them to move their vehicles off the route in time for the race. We want to ensure that the race passes through our district safely and quickly for everyone’s enjoyment.”