Pembrey County Park will host the OVO Energy Tour of Britain Grand Depart on Sunday, 2nd September where riders will start Stage One before travelling north through Carmarthenshire en-route to the stage finish in Newport.
Thousands of people are expected to line the route, which travels through Pembrey to Kidwelly and Carmarthen, then on towards Llandeilo and Llandovery.
We want to make sure that you enjoy the day and we will keep this page updated with essential information on viewing the race safely.
Estimated arrival times
The world’s best cyclists will be racing past you – show your support and make some noise with your free fan clapper which you can pick up on the day!
Pembrey Country Park – 11:00
Kidwelly – 11:18
Carmarthen – 11:43
Llandovery – 12:40
The Tour of Britain website has the full timetable for Stage One, with estimated arrival times shown at three different race speeds. You need to arrive at least an hour and a half before these times.
We anticipate the roads will be busy, try and arrive at your preferred location as early as possible.
Road closures
A rolling road closure will be enforced. This means roads on and around the race route will be closed for a short period in which it takes the race to pass by – usually about 10 to 15 minutes around the estimated time of arrival and indicated by police escort vehicles. There are specific road closures for Pembrey Country Park and Llandovery there is further information below.
No Parking!
The route is marked with yellow advanced warning signs in the run up to The Tour. Don’t park on the route on the day. Vehicles will be towed away.
Listen!
There will be an advance vehicle 15 minutes ahead of the race, keeping you up-to-date with what is happening in The Tour.
Caution!
Please keep children back from the edge of the road and animals on a lead, away from the roadside. Riders pass by very fast, and while we encourage support, Keep bags, objects and photography equipment out of the road. Remember, taking selfies is fun, but turning your back on the race is never a good idea. Face the oncoming riders and race convoy at all times.
Police!
The Tour is escorted along the route by trained police officers and escort motorcyclists. If you are asked to stop by an officer, please listen carefully and obey their instructions.
The Route
Show your support
Don’t forget, this is a major international race and Britain’s largest free sporting event. So show your support for the British heroes and the international stars who will be taking part and leave them with positive memories of the race as it passes through our county.
Respect the riders!
We encourage everyone to get behind the riders, but please remember this is their race. Don’t block their route, run alongside them or impede their progress.
If you’d like more information to help plan your visit, take a look on the Discover Carmarthenshire website where you can find out about some of the exciting events that will be happening, where to stay and much more.
Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences using #beiciosirgâr #cyclecarms. Follow the Tour of Britain in Carmarthenshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Pembrey Country Park
We recommend you get to the park as early as possible. We will be open from 6am with parking reduced to £2 before 9am and £5 from 9 – 9.30am. Entry will be refused after 9.30am. If you want to guarantee you don’t miss a thing, make a weekend of it and camp at the park.
There will be loads of activities at Pembrey Country Park over the whole weekend. Have a look on Discover Carmarthenshire to see what’s on.
Getting here
The Grand Depart of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain is from Pembrey Country Park located 1.5 miles from the A484 in the south of Carmarthenshire.
By road: If you are travelling from the east or north, leave the M4 at junction 48 and join the A4138 to Llanelli. Continue straight for approx 4 miles, crossing 3 roundabouts and 1 set of traffic lights. At the Trostre roundabout follow the signs for A484 to Pembrey.
If you’re travelling from the west, follow the A40 to Carmarthen, then the A484 to Llanelli and follow the brown signs.
By rail: There is a direct connection on the Cardiff-Fishguard line to Burry Port Train station.
By bike/foot: Use postcode SA16 0EJ to reach Pembrey.
Parking
Pembrey Country Park has over 1,200 car park spaces there will be no parking on factory road or the surrounding parkland. Get there early and park for £2 before 9am. Remember there will be no access after 9:30am to allow the race to depart safely and on time. If you arrive late at the park and are turned away, you will not be able to park on the A484.
Free parking is available at Festival Fields in Llanelli and in Burry Port. Both areas provide access to the traffic free Millennium Coastal Path where you can walk or cycle into Pembrey County park.
Road closures
Factory Road which links the main entrance to Pembrey Country Park and the junction with the A484 will be closed from 9:30am until 12 noon on 2nd September.
Traffic management will be in place but it is advised to arrive early due to expected attendance levels. We anticipate traffic disruption from 7am – 4pm on the 2nd September.
Carmarthen Town
Carmarthen Park which is adjacent to the race route at Morfa Lane is a safe and elevated place to watch the tour race by.
Carmarthen Town Council have a range of activities planned to celebrate the day. Get your free Tour of Britain fan clapper and make as much noise as you can as the riders pass by.
Getting here
Rail: There is a direct connection on the Cardiff-Fishguard line to Carmarthen Train station.
Bus: The main bus operator is First Group.
Bike / foot: Use postcode SA31 1JP.
Parking
All Carmarthenshire County Council managed car parks in Carmarthen Town are free on 2ndSeptember.
Park & Ride
A free park and ride service is being offered by Carmarthenshire County Council for this event from 9am till 15.50pm.
It will run from Nant y ci to Blue Street next to the bus station every 20 mins (on the hour, 20 past and 20 to) and from Blue Street (10 past the hour, half past and 10 to the hour).
The bus will not operate from 11:00am – 12:00pm to allow the race to pass and buses will not be able to access the town centre during this time.
Service will recommence from Nant y ci at 12:00 noon
Last service to depart from Blue Street is at 15:50pm
Nantgaredig
Clwb Rygbi Nantgaredig RFC is a picturesque setting to view the race as it goes through the Tywi Valley a few miles north of Carmarthen Town.
The Nantgaredig RFC Clubhouse is a brand new facility with disabled access and toilet facilities. It will be open before, during and after the tour passes for light drink and food refreshments. Visit their website for further information.
Getting here
Bike / foot: Use postcode SA32 7LQ
Parking
The club is providing stewarded free parking for 100 vehicles in their hard standing area with additional parking for more in the adjoining land.
Llandovery Town
The historic market town of Llandovery is the last town before the tour leaves Carmarthenshire for Powys and is a fantastic flat location to watch the tour especially as one of the sprint races is here. Activities will include live music and kid’s entertainment.
Getting here
Bike / foot: Use postcode SA20 0AP
Parking
The Carmarthenshire County Council managed car park next to the Castle in Llandovery Town is free to use on 2nd September.
Road closure
A road closure will be in place on Market Street throughout the day.
Other viewing areas
If you intend to view the race along any other area of the tour route in Carmarthenshire, please arrive at these points at least one hour and a half before the race is due to go through. Do not park on the highway and we’d recommend you car share with others on the day.
Useful links:
Leave a Reply