Hosting major cycling events will have positive “economic impact” for Wrexham

Hosting major cycling events in Wrexham will have a positive “economic impact” for the local area.

That is the view of Cllr Nigel Williams, lead member for economy and regeneration, who yesterday (Tuesday 27) outlined the local authority’s plans to host the Tour Series in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Launched in 2009, the Tour Series attracts top cyclists to compete across circuit races held in town and city centres across Britain.

Hosting the Tour Series is part of Wrexham Council’s new ‘placemaking’ plan and investment into its events team to build on the momentum of City of Culture 2025 and city status.

The cost for hosting the 2023 Tour Series is £80,000, which will be funded through the £500,000 placemaking fund agreed at the executive board in July.

However it is hoped that sponsorship opportunities will help to reduce the £80,000 cost.

A report presented to the executive board yesterday explained that the council will work alongside organisers to deliver “a full day of sporting and community focused activities to help inspire children to live more healthy lifestyles, to promote active and sustainable transportation.”

The aim is that hosting the Tour Series will create a sense of community spirit among residents and businesses.

Cllr Williams also outlined plans for Wrexham to potentially host the ‘Grand Depart’ for the Tour of Britain in 2025.

Organisers have approached the council to ask consideration of hosting the prestigious ‘Grand Depart’ at the event in three years time.

The major cycling event previously attracted thousands of people to area in 2015 when Wrexham hosted the finish stage.

Cllr Williams said the economic impact of hosting the events will benefit the likes of hotels, pubs and cafes.

He said: “In August the leader, the deputy leader, chief executive and myself agreed through delegated authority to commit to the sponsorship costs of £80,000 for this event from the budget and an additional £5000 for marketing to host the 2023 Tour Series next May.

“I also add that we’re actively engaging with local businesses to assist with in part or all sponsorship costs towards this.

“In addition, to further the significant events programme for Wrexham as a city I’m proposing the members approve that we enter into discussions to host the Tour Series again in 2024 and 2025 and to endorse an expression of interest to host the Tour of Britain Grand Depart in 2025.

“The Tour Series is the biggest and most prestigious televised cycling race series for men and women.

“You’ll see the economic impact across county borough from visitors coming to watch – which will benefit hotels, pubs and cafes to name a few.

“In 2025 the Tour of Britain visitor expenditure will boost the North Wales economy by almost £5 million.

“This will be more than just a one day event, we will also work with organisations to deliver sporting and community based activities throughout the period promoting healthy lifestyles and active travel.”

Members of the executive board unanimously backed the proposals to host the Tour Series and to express an interest in hosting the Tour of Britain Grand Depart in 2025.