Tour Of Britain Route To Go Through Wrexham

Two stages of September’s Tour of Britain will pass through Wales, with one going through Wrexham.

This September’s Tour of Britain will pay its longest ever visit to Wales, with Llanberis, Machynlleth and Caerphilly all hosting the UK’s biggest professional cycle race.

Llanberis, under the watchful gaze of Snowdon, will host the finish of Stage Four on Wednesday 18th September, while the world’s top riders will depart from Machynlleth on a 177-kilometre Stage Five to Caerphilly a day later, which will once again include the notorious ascent of Caerphilly Mountain.

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “I was privileged to be able to make the winner’s presentation for the gruelling Stage Six of The Tour of Britain last year, when riders completed the Welsh leg of the event against the stunning backdrop of Caerphilly Castle.

“Anyone who witnessed the reaction of the huge Welsh crowds as the competitors tackled the various challenges of the Welsh landscape, finishing with the two thrilling climbs of Caerphilly Mountain, will realise just how warmly the Welsh public embraced this event and will have had their appetites whetted for an even more exciting 2013. For our part, we will look forward to encouraging even greater numbers of spectators in Wales to follow The Tour, as the dramatic scenery of North Wales is added to the mix. ”

Stage Four, beginning in Stoke-on-Trent will head through Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy and Gwynned, before the finish in Llanberis at Snowdonia National Park.

Stage Five a day later will start in Machnylleth, Powys and head south through the heart of Wales to the iconic finish alongside Caerphilly Castle.  With a route taking in the Brecon Beacons National Park, plus two ascents of Caerphilly Mountain it will be another leg of The Tour of Britain for the climbers.

“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with the Welsh Government and bringing two stage finishes to Wales this year,” said Race Director Mick Bennett.

“Stage Four provides the opportunity to take The Tour to new areas in North Wales, with a route and finish in the Snowdonia National Park that will be very popular.  A day later spectators can look forward to the return of Caerphilly Mountain, on what will be another very challenging stage.”

The 2013 Tour of Britain, the tenth edition of Britain’s national Tour since it’s revival by SweetSpot Group, will start in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday 15th September, finishing eight days later in central London on Sunday 22nd September.  For full details of the route, please visit www.thetour.co.uk