Route revealed for Welshpool launch of Tour of Britain
The opening stage will see the world’s top riders tackle some of Wales’ most iconic roads and climbs, with thousands expected to line the streets to welcome the race.
The stage starts in Welshpool’s Broad Street at 11.15am, with riders expected to reach the finish in Llandudno at around 3.10pm. The riders will face a formidably challenging opening stage, with 2,276m of climbing and142.5kms to endure. The stage will also feature one sprint and two Queen of the Mountains segments.
Heading out through Berriew, the peloton will take in Castle Caereinion, Llanfair Caereinon, Dolanog, Llanfyllin, Penybontfawr and the challenging Llangynog climb at the 65km mark, known locally as the Berwyn Pass, which is 6km long with an average gradient of 5.4%.
The route then heads to Bala, touching the shores of the expansive Llyn Tegid, before passing through the picturesque village of Cerrigydrudion.
A series of punchy climbs with 10km to go are likely to whittle down the bunch as it enters Llandudno, passing Conwy Castle before a spectacular finish on the promenade.
Swansea-born Eluned King, who rides for Lifeplus Wahoo, said: “I am so excited to be lining up for my first Tour of Britain Women and racing at home is always special. I’m particularly excited for the two Welsh stages where, hopefully, all my years of riding grippy Welsh roads will pay off.
“The roads and terrain in Mid and North Wales will provide some really entertaining racing and opportunities as well as having some of the best roadside support! Gwelai chi yn fuan! (See you soon!).”
Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “It’s exciting that Powys has been chosen to host the Grand Départ from Welshpool for this year’s Tour of Britain Women.
“It will provide a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to watch some of the world’s top cyclists in action as they race through the north of the county and for us to showcase the beauty of our natural surroundings to a national and international audience.”
Tour of Britain race director, Rod Ellingworth, said: “Working with our partners, we’ve been able to plot out two really challenging and entertaining stages in Wales to open the race, with some iconic climbs and opportunities for the sprinters too.
“We wanted the Tour of Britain Women to show off the very best of Britain’s roads and scenery and, having spent a lot of time out driving the routes, I’m absolutely certain that we’ve delivered.
“Finalising the routes in such a short timeframe has been a huge challenge, and only made possible thanks to the support of colleagues in Welsh Government, Conwy County Borough Council, Powys County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council, who deserve enormous credit for the commitment to the race and women’s cycling more broadly.”
PICTURE (SWPix): The 2024 Tour of Britain Women race route in Mid Wales.
Tour of Britain Women 2024:
Stage 1 – Thursday 6 June 2024: Welshpool to Llandudno
Stage 2 – Friday 7 June 2024: Wrexham
Stage 3 – Saturday 8 June 2024: Warrington
Stage 4 – Sunday 9 June 2024: National Cycling Centre to Leigh, Greater Manchester
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