WREXHAM will host the start and finish of a Tour of Britain stage later this year.
Stage two of the popular event will take place in Wrexham, starting and finishing there on September 4.
The city has never previously hosted a stage start of the race; its only other appearance in the Tour coming eight years ago, when it co-hosted the Grand Départ.
Italian Olympic champion Elia Viviani claimed a memorable victory that day, ahead of home favourite Mark Cavendish and André Greipel in front of an estimated 10,000 spectators.
More recently, Wrexham hosted a stage start of the Women’s Tour, the Tour of Britain’s sister event, last June.
Since its return in 2004, the Tour of Britain has become a cornerstone of the UK sporting calendar.
READ MORE
- Rescue owner from Wrexham heading to Greek island devastated by fire to help animals
- Is this Wrexham's biggest rat? Dog catches huge cat-sized rodent
- "Absolute selfishness and indiscipline" - concerns over phone use behind the wheel
Hosting both the start and finish of the race will mean that more people are able to come into Wrexham and enjoy the spectacle, and for a longer period.
There will be activities on the day located around the tour village (based at Llwyn Isaf) – this will include cycling themed activities and stalls.
The tour will start and finish on Chester Street and Wrexham council is encouraging everyone who can, to visit the city centre and enjoy the atmosphere.
Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Economy, said: “Hosting both the stage two start and finish of the Tour of Britain will once again put a sporting spotlight on Wrexham.
“As Wales newest city, and with our ambitions to become City of Culture in 2029, it’s important to attract such large scale events that draw international audiences.”
“The event will bring huge benefits to the local economy – will raise Wrexham’s profile as a location for hosting large events, and increase footfall into the city centre.”
This will be the 19th edition of the UK’s most prestigious cycling race, which begins in Greater Manchester on Sunday September 3, and ends in South Wales eight stages later.
Along the way, riders will race through North Wales, East Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Essex, and Gloucestershire.
ITV4 will continue to broadcast live coverage of every stage and nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are.
Stage two in Wrexham is expected to begin around 10am and finish at around 4pm.
The Tour of Britain Stages in full are:
Stage one Sunday, September 3 - Altrincham to Manchester
Stage two Monday, September 4 - Wrexham to Wrexham
Stage three Tuesday, September 5 - Goole to Beverley
Stage four Wednesday, September 6 - Sherwood Forest to Newark-on-Trent
Stage five Thursday, September 7 - Felixstowe to Felixstowe
Stage six Friday, September 8 - Southend-on-Sea to Harlow
Stage seven Saturday, September 9 - Tewkesbury to Gloucester
Stage eight Sunday, September 10 - Margam Country Park to Caerphilly
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel