Pembrey Country Park has been announced as the official location for the “Grand Depart” (start) of the 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
The announcement was made in central London on Tuesday evening.
It will be the first time that Britain’s biggest professional cycle race has visited the county.
The race sees 120 riders from some of the world’s best teams compete, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners.
The announcement supports the county’s aspiration to become the cycle hub of Wales as the National Closed Road Circuit-Carmarthenshire – a purpose-built 1.9km circuit in Pembrey Country Park – is close to opening this Summer.
Taking place on Sunday, September 2, the 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will leave Pembrey Country Park and then continue throughout the county passing through Kidwelly, Carmarthen, Llandeilo and Llandovery as it continues into the Brecon Beacons through to its stage finish in Newport city centre.
The event is expected to see cycling fans descend on the county to get the chance to see some of the world’s riders competing, potentially bringing a boost of over £4 million to the local economy.
It will also have daily live coverage on ITV4 and Eurosport in the UK, and around the world.
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This is great news for Carmarthenshire and especially Pembrey Country Park, where we’re expecting great crowds to come to this fantastic location to see the start of this iconic race. I’m sure visitors will make the most of their last weekend of the Summer holidays and stay in the county. We are working closely with Welsh Cycling to put on a number of activities for the weekend at Pembrey Country Park for the whole family.
“I also hope residents will come out and support the cyclists along the route from Pembrey to Llandovery.”
Stage One route
Tour of Britain Stage 1 route from Cyngor Sir Gâr | Carms Council on Vimeo.
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