Hosting major cycling event to “maximise opportunities” for visitors and local hospitality

A major cycling event will help “maximise the opportunities for people to spend the day within the city centre” and support hospitality and local businesses,” a senior councillor has said.

In April Wrexham was unveiled as the stage two host of the prestigious Tour of Britain Women.

Taking place on Friday June 7 the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and cycling fans to the area.

The route, which has yet to be finalised, is expected to see cyclists set off from the city centre before taking in some of the breathtaking views that the county borough has to offer.

Cyclists are expected to return to the city centre where Wrexham will also host the finish to the Stage Two section of the event.

As in 2023 there will be a Tour Village on Llwyn Isaf with entertainment, stalls and cycling activities for all ages.

The event has been fully funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Last year Wrexham played host to the Tour of Britain men’s event which saw thousands watch Dutchman Olav Kooij win the second stage of the competition.

Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “After the huge success of the men’s Tour of Britain last year, I’m delighted to welcome the women’s race this year which will tour through and highlight the stunning scenery that we enjoy with the County Borough.

“We are currently working on promotional and events information to make the day as big a success as last year.”

“Once again, we are lucky to be hosting the start and end stages so we want to maximise the opportunities for people to spend the day within the city centre which in turn will help hospitality and local businesses.

“We aim to engage with schools to hopefully have as many children involved as possible to witness and enjoy this free to watch national event.

“Once the route, times, etc are finalised we will be promoting the event as much as possible.”

June 7 will be the second time that Wrexham has played host to a prestigious female cycling event, having previously welcomed the Women’s Tour in summer 2022.

Despite more than 100 of the world’s top riders taking part in the event, the council faced criticism over a lack of promotion and turnout for the race.

We asked Wrexham Council for comment on how it will promote this event more widely and whether it has any plans to engage with local schools and organisations to attend the event.

A spokesperson said: “A comms group has recently been established to work on the promotional activity of the event.

“As and when details are confirmed by British Cycling for example route/times etc., these will be shared and promoted.

“Details of road closures/impact on the city centre will be shared by WCBC as soon times are confirmed by British Cycling.

“Wrexham County Borough Council plan to engage with schools and cycling clubs to utilise the track on the day.”

The stage 2 start and finish of Tour of Britain Women will take place in Wrexham on June 7.