Hundreds come out to cheer cycling’s world stars
Cycling stars including Tour de France winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome were among those taking part in the Tour of Britain on Sunday, which started from Pembrey Country Park and was the biggest sporting event ever hosted by Carmarthenshire Council
CARMARTHENSHIRE has sealed its reputation as a top-class host of major sporting events following its welcome of the Tour of Britain.
Stage One of the UK’s biggest road race took place in the county on Sunday, bringing 120 of the world’s top cyclists and thousands of spectators out onto the streets.
Cycling stars including Tour de France winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome were amongst those to star in the race, which started from Pembrey Country Park and travelled north through the county to Llandovery before continuing to the stage finish in Newport.
It is the first time the Tour of Britain has visited Carmarthenshire, and has been the biggest sporting event ever hosted by Carmarthenshire Council.
With live televised coverage throughout the day, it was a major opportunity to showcase Carmarthenshire’s landscape and facilities which are perfect for a range of sporting events with its special blend of countryside and coast.
The event is also expected to deliver a £4 million economic boost to the South Wales economy and add to the county’s growing tourism industry, with thousands of visitors likely to return to enjoy what Carmarthenshire has to offer.
Leader of Carmarthenshire Council, Councillor Emlyn Dole, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for Carmarthenshire to shine on a world stage.
“I have spent the morning not only enjoying the race but speaking to people who are hugely impressed with what Carmarthenshire can offer as a host of major sporting events. I’ve no doubt that today’s race will mean many more exciting opportunities for us to bring the world’s top athletes to compete here on our doorstep. This is fantastic for Carmarthenshire, our growing tourism industry, local businesses and local communities. I am so very proud of the welcome Carmarthenshire has given to the Tour of Britain, and I thank organisers for putting their faith and trust in us to deliver a spectacular day of racing.”
The Welsh Government’s finance secretary, Mark Drakeford, was the official starter for the race.
“I am delighted to be opening the first stage of this iconic race,” Mr Drakeford said. Pembrey Country Park is an impressive venue for the Grand Départ, not only because it is a very popular visitor attraction but also because it has recently invested in cycling facilities, including the first national closed road circuit in South Wales.”
Tour’s economic boom ‘will have a lasting impact’ – page 16&17
I am so very proud of the welcome Carmarthenshire has given to the Tour of Britain, and I thank organisers for putting their faith and trust in us to deliver a spectacular day of racing
- Carmarthenshire Council leader Emyln Dole