Council hoping Tour of Britain will return
RHONDDA Cynon Taf council has revealed it is bidding for the Cynon Valley to host a Tour of Britain stage next year, following the success of this year’s event.
And, it will also bid to hold the event’s Grand Departure – the host area of the first stage – in 2018.
Aberdare Park hosted the prestigious cycling event in 2016, with Stage Five starting at the council-owned park and through the Cynon Valley – before visiting Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and finishing in Bath.
The race was broadcast live on ITV4, and star riders Owain Doull, Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins were among the field.
Now, RCT council leader Andrew Morgan says he wants to bring the Tour of Britain back to Cynon Valley in 2017, and has confirmed the council will bid to host a stage of the cycling championships again next year.
He said: “Aberdare, and our fantastic park, secured prime time network TV coverage as a result of its role as a stage start, which is invaluable in the profile it creates for our area.
“I am really keen for the council to build on this exposure and for us to expand on the reputation we are creating in RCT for hosting major events.
“Aberdare and Cynon Valley has always hosted iconic events throughout its history, from the first National Eisteddfod to the annual Aberdare Bike races - let us not forget the international exposure which the Nos Galan races enjoy.
“Last week Officers met with me and Aberdare West Councillor Ann Crimmings to discuss whether or not we should bid again for this prestigious event. We were both incredibly keen to see the council, with Cynon Valley as the preferred location, bidding again.
“A huge amount of work went on behind the scenes last year in pre- paring the bid and then pitching and presenting it to the national organisers, and I am confident the team involved will put the same effort in this year to secure the Tour for RCT for a second year, including the Grand Departure in 2018.
“The feedback we received from the event organisers following last year’s event was incredibly positive, not only in terms of the organisation undertaken by the council, but most importantly what the location offered.”
Councillor Morgan add- ed that local people were enthusiastic about the event and welcomed visitors to their communities.
On the day, vast crowds gathered at Aberdare Park for the start of the event, while people lined the streets across the Cynon Valley as the cyclists set off through Aberdare town centre, Aberaman , Abercwmboi, Glenboi, Mountain Ash and Abercynon.
“It came as no surprise to me that we received so many compliments from the thousands of visitors, particular in terms of the welcome they received from our communities who really bought into the event and showed great enthusiasm for it coming to Aberdare,” added the council leader.
“It was great to see so many children last year from our local schools, involved in the event and lining the route and I am sure offering the ability for our young people to see so many sporting superstars so close will inspire our future generations not only to excel in sport but also to lead fit and active lifestyles which is so crucially important.
“Part of the success of last year’s event was down to the buy-in from local residents who supported the council’s need to clear roads and re-arrange refuse collections, and I know we can rely upon this support again.
“It is early days and there are no guarantees as yet as to whether we will be successful in attracting this event for a second year, but I have made clear that I want us as a council to be ambitious in our approach.”