Tourism in Mid Wales will receive a big boost when Welshpool hosts the start of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women stages on Thursday, June 6.
Taking place from June 6-9, the event will feature four tough stages of racing in what will be the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events.
Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets for what is the nation’s biggest free-to-attend sporting event, as the country gears up for another thrilling summer of cycling.
Llandudno will host the stage finish on day one before Wrexham welcomes the world’s top female riders and teams for both the start and finish of stage two.
This year’s race will feature a number of familiar start and finish locations which have successfully hosted major international events in recent years.
The race will begin in Welshpool, which hosted the thrilling finish of stage four of the 2022 Women’s Tour, when Australia’s Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) sprinted to victory.
The stage will see riders head north to the picturesque seaside town of Llandudno, in what will be a challenging start to the race.
Stage two will see riders stay in Wales for a start and finish in Wrexham, which also featured in the 2022 Women’s Tour.
The caravan then will cross the Welsh border to the north-west of England, where Warrington will host both the start and finish of stage three on Saturday. The race concludes in Greater Manchester.
The race route has been designed and agreed in just 10 weeks, alongside the launch of a new vision for major cycling events in Britain.
Jon Dutton OBE, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Our primary focus has been to deliver a safe and competitive race in 2024. We remain every bit as determined to harness the race’s spotlight to make a real impact in the communities which it touches. We know that is a vision which resonates strongly in conversations with prospective commercial partners and hosts.”
Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said: “The race will take in four competitive and challenging routes, some challenging climbing in Wales and what I’m sure will be brilliant crowds on the roadside throughout.”
Lizzie Deignan, former road world champion and Olympic silver medallist, said: “It’s always special to race in Britain, and I’m so pleased to have two top level stage races to look forward to on home soil as I ramp up my preparations for a busy summer ahead.
“There’s clearly so much support and fondness for the race, both at home and further afield. The four stage hosts deserve credit for their commitment to women’s racing and for helping to make the race happen, and I’m sure that together we can put on a brilliant show in June.”
Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Jeremy Miles said: “Wales and cycling go hand in hand, with our spectacular scenery and routes providing elite and recreational cyclists alike with both challenge and enjoyment.
“This is a welcome return to Wales for this fantastic event and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Welshpool, Llandudno, Wrexham and the surrounding area to an ever-growing cycling audience.
“We are very pleased to have been able to support the event and look forward to providing a warm ‘Croeso’ to all in June.”
Powys County Council’s director of economic development and growth, Diane Reynolds, said: “We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain Women is going to start in Powys, from one of our many beautiful market towns, Welshpool.
“It is a town that cycling enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and the area includes many places of interest, and lots of great places to eat or drink a coffee while taking in the race action and exceptional scenery.”
