Wrexham To Host Tour of Britain ‘First Stage Finish Line’

Wrexham is to host the ‘finish of the first stage’ of one of the UK’s most popular cycling events. 

Members of Wrexham’s Executive Board yesterday unanimously approved proposals for the town to host the finish of the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycling event on Sunday 6th September.

The proposed route is Beaumaris (starting at approximately 10am) Llanberis, Betwys y Coed, Ruthin, Denbigh, Mold and finishing in Wrexham (at approximately 3.30pm).

Now in its 12th year, the event is one of the most ‘high-profile’ cycling events in the country, featuring eight days of cycling with approximately 120 professional elite cyclists taking part.

Last year the North Wales stage ran from Knowsley (in Merseyside) to a ‘high profile’ finish in Llandudno. The report states that last year ‘it was estimated that the stage attracted over 62,000 people. Conwy County Borough had 27 minutes of TV coverage which was broadcast globally with 45% of the visitors surveyed, believing that it was the race sponsor’.

Over the past two years Wrexham has played a part in the event, with the cyclists passing through the county as part of the route across North Wales.

Speaking yesterday Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Neil Rogers said: “I think this is a good story, it showcases Wrexham. This is an opportunity to show what Wrexham has to offer.”

A budget of £40k is required to underwrite the cost of hosting the finish, and any not used will go forward to the town’s events programme in 2015/16.

However the decision today that the town will play host to the Tour of Britain and contribute £40k to the cost of hosting the finish was met with a mixed reception on Twitter…

@wrexham I never believed I'd ever be able to see an major bike race in my home town. Best news this year

— gareth d parry (@saders4ever) February 10, 2015

@wrexham not sure the non cycling community whorls agree with that when services are being cut council tax rising and rents ?

— Simon hall (@secondhand_shed) February 10, 2015

@secondhand_shed @wrexham It will bring in 100s of thousands into the town. Hotels, food, drink etc.

— Glyn Chaplin (@chapperswxm) February 10, 2015

Anyone who saw the Tour de France in Yorkshire knows what an event like this can do for a town! @wrexham #tourofbritain

— Serge (@Sergeantserge) February 10, 2015

@secondhand_shed @wrexham i would rather my extortionate council tax go on something more worth while than a bike race

— megan griffiths (@meg8107) February 10, 2015

@secondhand_shed @wrexham 40k so we can have disruptipn chaos road closures and a group of cyclists whizz through…bargain….NOT..numptys

— paul wiggins (@PW0101) February 10, 2015

@secondhand_shed @wrexham do you realise how much money this event will bring into the area?

— Wayne Roberts (@TheNastyPasty) February 10, 2015

@secondhand_shed @wrexham Wxm, God the town needs it, but if they have to pay 13k not to host it, may as well pay 40 and make some money.

— ᗪᗩᐯE ᑕOᑎᑎEᖇ (@TheDaveConner) February 10, 2015