By Owen Morgan
The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will begin in South Wales for the first time as some of the world’s top cyclists race from Carmarthenshire to Newport on the opening stage of Britain’s national Tour on Sunday 2 September.
The tour is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving fans the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the sport competing on their door step and free of charge.
Carmarthenshire will have the honour of sending the 120 challengers on their way for what will be a gruelling race around Britain, ending on September 9.
The opening stage will finish in Newport, which last hosted the Tour of Britain in 2004, while the final stage of the 2017 race passed through the city on its way to the overall finish in Cardiff.
More details of Stage One, including the exact start location in Carmarthenshire, details of the route and where the race will finish in Newport will be announced at the national launch of the 2018 route on Tuesday 5 June.
Nick Smith, Chairman at Welsh Cycling welcomed the announcement and another recognition of Wales as a cycling nation. “It is absolutely fantastic news for Wales to play host to the opening of Britain’s biggest international cycling race.
“Beginning the entire race in Carmarthenshire is truly fitting to the county’s commitment to cycling, as they strive to become the cycling hub of Wales following the recent refurbishment of the Carmarthen Velodrome as well as the current construction work on the Pembrey Closed Road Circuit.
“Locals and fans in Wales will not only have the opportunity to cheer on the best cycling talent on their very own door steps as they begin the first stage of the competition in Carmarthenshire; but also congratulate the riders as they cross the finish line at the home of Welsh Cycling at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport.”
Commenting on the announcement, OVO Energy Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said: “We have been working with our partners at the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council for some time to put together this plan for the opening stage and visit the area for the first time, and are delighted to be able to confirm plans so spectators can begin to make their plans now for the 2nd September to join us for our opening leg.
“As the home of Welsh Cycling and the Wales National Velodrome, it is fitting that the OVO Energy Tour of Britain will finish its opening stage of 2018 in the city and we look forward to working with Newport City Council and their partners to deliver the event.”