The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will begin in South Wales for the first time as Carmarthenshire and Newport host the opening stage of Britain’s national Tour on Sunday 2 September.

It will mark the first time that the race has visited Carmarthenshire with the county set to welcome 120 of the world’s top professional cyclists next September for the start of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race.

The city of Newport last hosted the Tour of Britain in 2004, while the final stage of the 2017 race passed through the city on its way to the overall finish in Cardiff.

Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “Hosting the start of this iconic professional race and having an all Welsh stage is fantastic news for Wales.  Since hosting the Tour of Britain for the first time in 2010, the event has established itself in the Welsh sporting calendar with the race visiting various locations across Wales almost every year since – and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support the event.

“The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events. The event gives cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step and spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere. I hope that people from across south Wales come out to support the cyclists as they travel from Carmarthenshire to Newport on the first day of the race in September.”

More details of Stage One, including the exact Start location in Carmarthenshire, details of the route and where the race will finish in Newport will be announced at the national launch of the 2018 route on Tuesday 5 June.

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This is the largest professional road cycling event in the UK and we are proud that organisers have chosen Carmarthenshire as the starting venue for the race.

“As a televised event this is a wonderful opportunity to show our county’s beautiful scenery to the world. No doubt it will also be a massive boost to the local economy with thousands of people involved in the race and turning out to watch.”

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said; “We are very excited to again be involved in the Tour and promise to give competitors the warmest of Newport welcomes as they cross the first finish line in the heart of our city.

“Newport boasts such a diverse landscape which lends itself perfectly to events such as the Tour – from flat, urban routes to challenging climbs and descents through beautiful countryside – we are sure the cyclists, supporters and spectators alike will enjoy the leg and their time in our city.”

Commenting on the announcement, OVO Energy Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said; “We have been working with our partners at the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council for some time to put together this plan for the opening stage and visit the area for the first time, and are delighted to be able to confirm plans so spectators can begin to make their plans now for the 2nd September to join us for our opening leg.

“As the home of Welsh Cycling and the Wales National Velodrome it is fitting that the OVO Energy Tour of Britain will finish its opening stage of 2018 in the city and we look forward to working with Newport City Council and their partners to deliver the event.”

Commenting on the announcement Nick Smith, Chairman at Welsh Cycling said: “It is absolutely fantastic news for Wales to play host to the opening of Britain’s biggest international cycling race.

“Beginning the entire race in Carmarthenshire is truly fitting to the county’s commitment to cycling, as they strive to become the cycling hub of Wales following the recent refurbishment of the Carmarthen Velodrome as well as the current construction work on the Pembrey Closed Road Circuit.

“Locals and fans in Wales will not only have the opportunity to cheer on the best cycling talent on their very own door steps as they begin the first stage of the competition in Carmarthenshire; but also congratulate the riders as they cross the finish line at the home of Welsh Cycling at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step, taking place between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 September 2018.

Vimeo video of Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire Council, talking about the Tour of Britain.

Tour of Britain comes to Carmarthenshire from Cyngor Sir Gâr | Carms Council on Vimeo.

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Scarlets and Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes will make his 100^th regional appearance on Saturday evening in the Guinness PRO14 final.

The Scarlets have reached their second consecutive final in as many seasons at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

British and Irish Lion fullback Leigh Halfpenny returns from a hamstring injury that saw him miss last weekend’s semi final victory over Glasgow Warriors.

Johnny Mcnicholl, who made a return from injury in time for last weekend’s clash, moves to the wing with Tom Prydie moving to the replacements bench.

With John Barclay unavailable following surgery to a ruptured Achilles tendon Wayne Pivac has made changes to the pack. Tadhg Beirne moves to number eight, partnering James Davies and Aaron Shingler in the back row. Lewis Rawlins comes in to the second row to partner Steve Cummins whilst the front row remains unchanged.

Looking ahead to the Guinness PRO14 final Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said; “They’re a very good side. We only have to look back to our semi final where we were completely outplayed. They’ve gone on to win the big prize and be crowned Euro champions, and deservedly so.

“To back that up against a good Munster team, not an easy task a week later after celebrations and euphoria of winning it, was to me a testament to how strong that squad is, they’ll be better this weekend with some guys freshened up.

“We’re expecting a massive game. It’s a massive challenge for us but I think it’s a great game, last year’s PRO12 champions up against this year’s European champions. If you want to win it you want to do so against the best.”

Scarlets team to take on Leinster in the Guinness PRO14 final at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday 26^th May, kick-off 18:00;

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Johnny Mcnicholl, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens ©, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Lewis Rawlins, 5 Steve Cummins, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 James Davies, 8 Tadhg Beirne

Replacements; Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Werner Kruger, David Bulbring, Will Boyde, Jonathan Evans, Dan Jones, Tom Prydie

Leinster v Scarlets, Guinness PRO14 final, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, kick-off 18:00

Aberystwyth University will once again show its support for Wales’ biggest youth festival next week as thousands of young people compete at theBrecon and Radnorshire Urdd National Eisteddfod.

For the third year running, the University is the sponsor of the sports arena at the Eisteddfod, which is being held at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground, Llanelwedd from May 28 until 2 June 2018.

The sports arena, which offers a full program of sessions that include cricket, tennis, rugby, hockey and football, is part of a long term initiative between the University and the Urdd to promote sports provision and develop new talent across Wales.

Eisteddfod goers will also be able to follow the latest Eisteddfod news on a large video wall near the Pavilion and on a large screen at the Urdd’s Cafe, thanks to the University’s support.

Competitors are also set to benefit. For the first time, on its stand which this year is in the South Glamorgan Pavilion, Aberystwyth University offers a professional piano and rehearsal space for individuals or groups who want some last minute preparation before they take to the stage.

There is no need to book in advance, but anyone wishing to reserve the rehearsal space in advance can do so by contacting Eurgain Haf Evans at ehe2@aber.ac.uk/ 07854373041.

And of course, there will be an opportunity to relax and watch some of the highlights of Eisteddfod week including the crowning and chairing ceremonies, live on the Unviersity’s stand throughout the week.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Welsh Language, Culture and External Relations at Aberystwyth University said: “The Urdd Eisteddfod is a highlight in the calendar and we are really proud to have shown our support by sponsoring the field sports, the video wall and rehearsal space, thereby enriching the experience of eisteddfod goers, both visitors and competitors. We will also have students competing during the week, including Aelwyd Pantycelyn, and we wish them and the Eisteddfod every success.”

Weblink –

http://www.urdd.cymru/en/eisteddfod/20181/

Workmen have been busy bees at Sandy Water Park in Llanelli.

They’ve been busy creating a new habitat for bees, close to Pont d’Agen (the Agen footbridge and cycle crossing over Traeth Ffordd).

I’m no expert in the habits of bees, so the jury may be out on whether locating such a habitat close to the busy path and cycleway is a good idea . . .

But, for now, I think it’s worth parking any issues like that and commending what seems to be a good idea.

After the diggers moved in a few weeks ago, the site has been left to settle and it is now just some shallow banking and a gravel bed.

The sign says: ‘It may look a bit are at the moment, but in a few years we hope that this patch of ground will be full of wildflowers.

‘We’re creating an area similar to bare ground and sand dunes so that local wildflowers, which like low levels of competition from grasses, can thrive.

‘This will provide lots of food for pollinators such as bees.’

The project is being supported by Carmarthenshire Council, The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bees have a massive role in nature by helping pollination.

Both commercial and wild bees have been in the news because of their decline in numbers.

The campaign group Avaaz has been working hard in recent months to ban the world’s most common insecticides, pressing the farming industry to develop a whole new model of non-toxic agriculture.

West Wales is regarded as an important place for bumblebees, with many rare and protected species.

You can find out more about Bee Wild West Wales on the following weblink –

Bee Wild West Wales

If you want to find out more about bees, then the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has all the answers –

https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/

The site of the habitat near Pont d-Agen.

A Google map of the habitat location. Look for BEES in blue in the bottom, middle.

Work is set to start on the new £2.6 million archive extension at the rear of Carmarthen library.

The development of the new, much needed, purpose built archives facility, Y Stordy, will help ensure the awaited return of the Carmarthenshire Archives collection to the county.

Contractors TRJ are set to start work at the site. It is hoped that the archives, designed by Acanthus Holden, will be open in Autumn 2019.

Once complete Y Stordy will contain the current archive collection with room for up to around 25 years new material.

From this week, as part of the construction work – which is expected to take one year – 75 spaces will be temporarily unavailable in St Peter’s car park.

Part of the works also involve the relocation of a lighting column and ticket machine in the carpark. Parking is available at the remaining town centre car parks and the Nant y Ci Park and Ride service continues to operate with stops at Blue Street, Spilman Street and the hospital.

The library, community centre and car park will remain open as usual throughout the construction works.

Executive board member for transport, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this reduction in car parking spaces may have over the coming year, but it has been necessary to ensure safety whilst this work on the new archive building gets underway.”

Alongside the construction of the extension there will also be external works, internal alterations to the library, external fabric upgrade of the Book Stack and some improvements to the frontage of the existing library.

Executive board member for culture, sport, tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “It’s great to see that work is starting next week on this fantastic purpose-built building which will bring back the archives collection to Carmarthenshire.”

It was a great pleasure to work with singer and TV and radio personality Shân Cothi recently.

On stage, she is a ‘force of nature’. Backstage, she is supremely professional and always enthusiastic.

Here’s her biography . . .

Welsh personality, is a versatile classical and music theatre soloist and an experienced actress and presenter on television and radio.

She began her career as a music teacher but winning the Blue Riband for the best classical soloist at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1995 prompted her to become a professional singer.

In 2000, Shân was cast as Carlotta in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End and performed the role for 15 months.

n 2014 she made her début in the role of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, with Sir Bryn Terfel in the title role, at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and in 2015 understudied Emma Thompson in the role for English National Opera.

To celebrate the Wales Millennium Centre’s 10th Anniversary in September 2015, Shân performed the role of the mythical mistress of magic Ceridwen in the Ar Waith Ar Daith finale –a grand-scale open-air spectacular of myth and magic involving over 700 performers – in the Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay.

Following the release of her début album, Passione with the Welsh National Chamber Orchestra on the Sain Label in 2005, a promotional video of Caro Mio Ben, recorded at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, was voted ‘The Most Watched Video’ on Classic FM television.

Her long awaited second album, Paradwys was released in September 2015 on the Acapela Label and reached number 26 on the Classic FM chart and number 18 in the classical charts. Following the release of the album, Shân embarked on a promotional concert tour of Wales.

Shân is a well-known face on Welsh television.

She made her TV acting début playing the role of Davina Roberts in the highly successful drama series Con Passionate for S4C and was nominated in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category at the 2006 BAFTA Cymru awards. Her self-titled music TV series for S4C won a BAFTA award and was nominated for the Best Music Programme award in the Montreux Festival.

Shân has presented a number of television series for S4C, including Bro in which she and her co–presenter Iolo Williams travelled around Wales, getting to know its people and landscapes and Y Sipsiwn in which Shân followed the old Welsh Romany gipsy route in a gipsy caravan.

Shân is a keen horsewoman. In 2012 she filmed the television programme Cheltenham Cothi, which documented her progress to be a competitive jockey at the St Patrick’s Day Charity Derby in Cheltenham. In 2013 she successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Velindre Cancer Centre and Amser Justin Time, a charity Shân founded in 2008 to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer.

In June 2015, to mark BBC Music Day, Shân set a new world record as one half of the longest-distance duet ever.  Shân in Cardiff and Andres Evans in Patagonia sang ‘Calon Lân’, 7,000 miles apart in a link-up between Wales and Argentina which was broadcast live on BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 3 and has been officially certified by Guinness World Records.

Concert highlights include ‘Broadway to the Bay’ at the Wales Millennium Centre, ‘10 Difa’ concert & S4C broadcast from Llandudno’s Venue Cymru, a Big Band extravaganza at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Abergavenny and the Amser Justin Time 10th Anniversary concert in Pontrhydfendigaid.

Shân presents a daily weekday morning programme on BBC Radio Cymru entitled‘Bore Cothi’.