County in the saddle for Tour chance
THE Welsh Government is exploring the idea of bringing the Tour de France to Wales.
The showpiece event, which is held every year, is more than 100 years old and is the most prestigious bicycle race in the world.
It attracts millions of TV viewers and consists of 21 different stages over the course of 23 days.
Despite being predominantly staged in France, since the mid1950s, the race has sometimes seen stages, usually starts, take place in other European venues.
The Tour started in Leeds in 2014, for example, and is due to set off from Copenhagen in July for the 2022 event.
Now, the Welsh Government has said it is openly discussing the idea of bringing a stage of the tour to Wales, with Carmarthenshire in the mix to be a host venue.
The county has developed something of a reputation as a cycling hub in Wales, thanks to the development of the national closed road circuit in Pembrey, the redevelopment of a velodrome in Carmarthen Park and the construction of a 16-mile cycle path.
Carmarthenshire has also previously hosted stages of the men’s Tour of Britain, and will host a stage of the women’s Tour of Britain for the second time later this year.
Speaking at the Senedd, Mid and West Wales MS Cefin Campbell urged First Minister Mark Drakeford to push for Carmarthenshire and neighbouring Pembrokeshire to be at the forefront of any Welsh bid to host a stage of the Tour de France.
“Both Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have risen in prominence over recent years as go-to destinations for major sporting events,” said Mr Campbell, who added that the West Yorkshire economy was boosted by around £130m when Leeds hosted a stage of the race eight years ago.
“As we now begin to rebuild following the Covid-19 pandemic, I have little doubt that these beautiful areas of west Wales should be included in any future Welsh Government proposals to host the initial stage of the Tour de France. In Yorkshire, and in other areas of Europe such as the Basque Country and Brittany, we have already seen the many economic and cultural benefits associated with hosting this prestigious cycling race, and I will continue to make the case for both counties to be included in any future proposals.” In response, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Discussions are ongoing, and, of course, as a government here in Wales, we are doing everything within our power to highlight the possibilities that exist here in Wales. “Of course, there are many details still to be discussed with those responsible for the Tour de France, and we are just starting to do that. But, if there are possibilities to bring the tour to Wales, then I know that those interested in cycling would be very excited about that.”