When the Tour de France comes to Essex on Monday (July 7) the focus will be on the world’s best cyclists but there are a number of unsung heroes who’ll help to make the day a success.

Tour Makers – like the Olympic Games Makers for London 2012 – will be volunteering on the day, helping spectators and supporting the organisers.

One of the Tour Makers in Essex is Tina Weavers from Witham who is going to be a marshal in Finchingfield on the day.

Tina usually juggles two jobs as the manager of the Essex branch of the Institute of Directors, as well as clerking for school governing bodies, but on July 7 she will be helping the public enjoy the largest free spectator sporting event in the world.

She said: “I was an Essex Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games and spent the whole summer volunteering at Stansted Airport, which was fantastic, and when I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the Tour de France I jumped at the chance.

“The Tour de France is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and I feel privileged to have been picked to help make it a success in my home county.

“I feel really lucky to have been placed in Finchingfield because it’s such a beautiful village anyway, but with the big screen showing the whole stage and all the events taking place there on the day I think it’s going to be a fantastic place to watch.

“All the Tour Makers met up for the first time during an orientation session a few weeks ago and it was great to see everyone else who’s going to be involved. Everyone was really excited and there was a real buzz. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like on the day.

“At the moment I’m nervous but I’m also really excited. I love volunteering and to give something back, so to be able to do that and be involved in the Tour de France is an absolute dream.”

Where to see the action and when...

The Tour de France joins Essex during Stage 3 of the event as the cyclists travel from Cambridge to London. Here are the rough times to expect to see the caravan and then the competitors pass each location:

PLACE CARAVAN PELOTON

Saf Walden 10:52am 12:51pm

Radwinter 11:04am 1:01pm

Gt Sampford 11:10am 1:06pm

Finchingfield 11:19am 1:14pm

Wethersfield 11:24am 1:19pm

Church End 11:29am 1:23pm

Shalford Green 11:30am 1:25pm

Rayne 11:39am 1:33pm

Barrister Green 11:47am 1:40pm

Felsted 11:49am 1:42pm

Hartford End 11:55am 1:47pm

Gt Waltham 12:02pm 1:54pm

Chignal Smealy 12:07pm 1:58pm

Chelmsford 12:11pm 2:02pm

? The Caravan is a procession of 180 elaborate floats and vehicles preceding the racing action, distributing items to fans at the roadside.

? The peloton is the main group of riders.