World’s Best Cyclists Face Longest Welcome In Wales

Wales will host the two longest stages of the Tour of Britain this September.

Stage four from Denbigh to Builth Wells on September 7 will be 217km long and will take in Flintshire and Powys before the finish at the Royal Welsh Showground.

Aberdare will host the start of stage five the following day with the riders facing another 205km on the bike before the finish in Bath.

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, said: “We’re looking forward to hosting the Tour of Britain again this year and thrilled that some new venues and locations will get a taste of the action.

“The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events.

“The spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere, I hope that people from across Wales come out to support the event again this year.

“Being a part of an event such as this can really inspire people to want to take up the sport.”

Organisers hope Sir Bradley Wiggins will bring his road race career to an end by competing for his own team as Wales hosts a stage for the seventh year in succession.

Race Director Mick Bennett said: “He’s already said he wants to come back for his final year of racing.

“But ultimately his team already have an entry as the highest placed domestic team from last year.

“It would be fantastic. He’s an icon, and it’s like having a rock star. He commands a fantastic presence, and he has this aura, and he lives up to every second of it.
Stage 1
Sunday, September 4 2016
168km Glasgow – Castle Douglas

Stage 2
Monday, September 5 2016
195km Carlisle – Kendal

Stage 3
Tuesday, September 6 2016
182km Congleton – Tatton Park, Knutsford

Stage 4
Wednesday, September 7 2016
217km Denbigh – Builth Wells

Stage 5
Thursday, September 8 2016
205km Aberdare – Bath

Stage 6
Friday, September 9 2016
150km Sidmouth – Haytor, Dartmoor

Stage 7a
Saturday, September 10 2016
15km Bristol – Bristol

Stage 7b
Saturday, September 10 2016
76.5km Bristol – Bristol

Stage 8
Sunday, September 11 2016
100km London – London