Hundreds of people will get the chance to tackle the same route as professional cyclists if the Tour of Britain returns to Norfolk this year.

The news comes as businesses were encouraged to “make us an offer” and help fund the return of the UK’s pro cycle race to the county, which last year reached its dramatic climax in Great Yarmouth.

Tour of Britain organisers and Norfolk County Council are keen for the county to host a stage of the tour again this summer after last year’s event attracted more than 130,000 spectators and brought in millions of pounds of revenue.

Known as the Tour Ride, the event will see a weekend of cycling held in Norfolk and Suffolk and some 1,800 riders follow the same route as the professionals on a different day from the pro race.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of Sweetspot, organisers of the Tour of Britain, said: “The Tour of Britain’s return to Norfolk is subject to everybody coming together and finding the funds required.

He added: “Last year was an incredible success and it really captured the enthusiasm of everyone in Norfolk,”

Norfolk County council invested �265,000 to secure the event last year– and it brought a �5.4m boost in return.