A WORLD renowned racer made a guest appearance in a seaside town during a major event to speak about the importance of women’s cycling.

Mark Cavendish, an Olympic silver medallist who has won numerous races at world championships, spoke during the Clacton leg of the Women’s Tour.

Taking to the stage shortly before the arrival of some of the world’s best female cyclists, Mark candidly praised the athletes and said they had inspired his daughter.

The legendary biker said: “The girls racing now, most of them will not see the benefits of what they are doing to improve female cycling, which is sad.

“I think the biggest thing they can take from it is the legacy they will leave for my daughter and girls in the future who want to race a bike professionally.”

Mark, who has won 34 stages of the world famous Tour de France, appeared on stage shortly before spectators witnessed Dutch racer Lorena Wiebes take the Stage 5 win.

READ MORE: Women's Tour cyclists cross the finish line in Clacton