Carmarthenshire is making a name for itself as the premier destination for cycling after hosting a stage of the Tour of Britain for the third time.
Some of the world’s top cyclists raced through the picturesque Tywi Valley in an exciting team time trial.
World champion Mark Cavendish and Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallist and six-time Tour de France stage winner Wout Van Aert were amongst those competing to the delight of the hundreds of spectators along the 18.2km from Ffairfach to Llanarthne.
The riders started the race at the state-of-the-art Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, with the whole school out to cheer them on, and after racing through the spectacular scenery of the Tywi Valley, they crossed the finish line at the iconic National Botanic Garden of Wales and against the backdrop of the Great Glasshouse.
British team Ineos Grenadiers produced an unstoppable ride to win the stage, putting Londoner Ethan Hayter into the race lead.
Carmarthenshire first attracted international attention when it hosted the 2018 Tour of Britain’s opening stage, and again when the Women’s Tour visited in 2019.
This is the first team time trial to take place in the county and is further evidence that the county has cemented its status as the cycling hub of Wales.
Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to supporting more people to get fit and active through cycling, whilst growing the local cycling tourism economy. With inspiring views, delicious pit stops and cycle friendly places to stay, the county is fast becoming the perfect place for ‘bikeations’ or cycling holidays.
Carmarthenshire County Council Leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole said:
“Carmarthenshire has certainly made a name for itself on the map of elite world cycling events after hosting the Tour of Britain for the third time.
“These events have seen some of the world’s best cyclists race through the Tywi Valley and also put our county centre stage in front of an audience of millions – we are thrilled.
“Playing host to this major road cycling race for the third time shows that we are the premiere location for this sport in Wales.”
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