British Cycling have announced that Welshpool will be hosting the opening stage of the 2024 Women’s Tour of Britain.
The first major international stage race from British Cycling Events in 2024 will be starting from Welshpool on June 6, as the Powys town will welcome some of the top female riders and and teams for the Grand Départ.
Welshpool will serve as the start of a four-stage event, from which cyclists will head to Llandudno, who will host the stage finish on day one before heading to Wrexham for both the start and finish of stage two.
On the return of the event, 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.
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“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.”
It is not the first time Welshpool will host a stage of the Women’s Tour, as in 2022 the town was the finish line for stage four of the tour, where Australia’s Grace Brown took the victory.
On Welshpool’s role in hosting a pivotal stage of the event, Powys County Council’s Director of Economic Development and Growth, Diane Reynolds, added: “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.”
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.”
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