World-class cycling returns with star-studded last stage
HAVING attracted thousands of spectators to last year’s opening stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, world-class cycling is returning to Carmarthenshire this summer.
The finale of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour takes place exclusively within the county on Saturday, June 15.
The world’s best riders will tackle a 79-mile stage between Carmarthen and Pembrey Country Park on day six of Britain’s most prestigious women’s cycle race.
In a first for the Women’s Tour, the field of Olympic, world and national champions will notably complete a lap of Carmarthen velodrome in the heart of the town park as part of the stage’s ceremonial start.
And they will also race on Pembrey’s new, closedroad cycle circuit on the approach to the finish line.
“We have designed this stage with a view to testing our star-studded field one final time while at the same time showcasing Carmarthenshire’s fantastic cycling facilities and gorgeous landscapes,” said OVO Energy Women’s Tour race director Mick Bennett.
“The fight to be crowned our 2019 champion will go down to the wire, so I know that the people of Carmarthenshire will get behind this stage with the same enthusiasm and passion as they did when the Tour of Britain visited last year.”
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire Council’s executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, said: “On the back of a hugely successful men’s Tour of Britain which started here in Carmarthenshire in September, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome the OVO Energy Women’s Tour in June.
“On this occasion, we will be hosting the final stage, which will take place completely within Carmarthenshire, taking in some of our most breathtaking scenery and making the most of two of our national cycling facilities – our historic velodrome in Carmarthen, and our new national closed-road cycling circuit in Pembrey Country Park.
“As a county that’s made no secret of our ambition to be known as the cycling hub of Wales, we are excited to bring yet another high-profile race to our towns and villages for everyone to get involved in and enjoy.”
Stage six’s route passes through a handful of towns that featured in last year’s Tour of Britain opener, including Nantgaredig and Llandeilo.
Riders will also climb the Black Mountain, near Brynamman, which featured in the 2010 Tour of Britain.
They will then reach Pembrey via Gwaun-CaeGurwen, Capel Hendre, Pontyberem and Trimsaran.
The stage will feature approximately 1,800 metres of ascent, making it the second toughest in OVO Energy Women’s Tour history.
Local rider Manon Lloyd, whose Drops team will be competing in the race, said: “I’ve always dreamed of having a home race and getting the chance to go past my front door is incredibly exciting – it’s a really nice surprise.
“The Tour of Britain’s visit to Carmarthenshire last year was one of the biggest things ever to happen in the county, and I know the Women’s Tour’s visit will be equally as popular.
“We’ve got some of the hardest roads in Britain, so this will be a really difficult stage. “Having family and friends out will give me that extra boost to push that little bit harder.”
This year’s race begins in Suffolk on Monday, June 10.