The UK’s most prestigious cycle race arrives in Aberdare next month – and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has issued key information and advice to ensure the event runs smoothly for all.
Some of the best-known cyclists, their fans and the world’s media will draw the spotlight on to Aberdare and the surrounding area, as Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain begins in Aberdare Park on Thursday, September 8.
This is the first time the event, which in previous years has included the likes of cycling heroes Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins, has been hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The Council is excited to be able to host the important event, particularly after the success of Team GB cyclists in Rio 2016 and the growing popularity of RCT as a cycling destination.
The event holds huge potential to boost local businesses and tourism attractions and to showcase what RCT has to offer – particularly to cyclists – to the rest of the world.
It is also a chance for residents to enjoy a world-class sporting event on their doorsteps which will, perhaps, inspire them to get involved in cycling.
The Council is inviting as many people as possible to enjoy the morning and line the route to cheer on the cyclists as they set off from the park, through the town and across east Wales to the finishing line in Bath.
Download the poster to display in your window and spread the word!
Cllr Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business, said: “It is a real coup for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and its communities to be selected to launch Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain.
“The profile of the event and the calibre of its competitors, as well as the international media and spectators it attracts, will allow us to showcase RCT and all it has to offer.
“Cycling continues to become more and more popular in Rhondda Cynon Taf, thanks to our amazing outdoor spaces, trails and routes that can be enjoyed on cycles. We hope the Tour of Britain will inspire more people to enjoy cycling and be a treat for the many dedicated and professional cyclists in the county borough.
“Previous years have seen tens of thousands of spectators at the stages, so this is also a chance to support and boost local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism attractions.
“This has been months in the planning and there is more work to be done before the cyclists set off from Aberdare Park at 10.45am on Thursday, September 8 but we know it will be worth the effort.
“There is some key information we need residents, businesses and visitors to be aware of and we are grateful in advance for everyone’s cooperation and support to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event goes smoothly, for the enjoyment of all.”
Letters have been sent to residents and businesses in Aberdare and also those in the areas through which the race will travel, to provide information and instructions for the day.
Read the residents’ letter
Read the business letter if your business is in Aberdare
Read the Mountain Ash Business Letter
Key points are:
- The race sets off from Aberdare Park at 10.45am on Thursday, September 8 and cyclists will travel through the town centre and through Aberaman, Abercwmboi, past Fernhill and into Mountain Ash town centre, before joining the A4059 east into Caerphilly County Borough. Download the route.
- A temporary traffic order will be in place along the route for the entirety of the race, and as part of this parking or waiting in the following roads will be prohibited from 6am to 11.45am on the day of the race. Vehicles that park within the prohibited areas may be removed by the Council.
- The traffic order means no parking or waiting, between 6am and 11.45am on Thursday, 8 September in: Glan Rd, Gadlys Rd, High Street, Canon Street, Victoria Square, Cardiff Street and Tinney’s Roundabout in Aberdare, Cardiff Road in Aberaman, Park View Terrace, John Street, Bronallt Terrace in Abercwmboi, Aberdare Road, Commercial Street, Ffrwrd Crescent, A4059 new road (Mountain Ash to the A470), Mountain Ash Town Bridge and Abercynon Roundabout, including the north and south approaches.
- There is no parking available in Aberdare Park and only limited parking in bays that surround the park.
- The park is situated in a residential area so please be considerate when parking at all times and avoid parking anywhere other than the bays outside the park or a nearby car park.
- Parking can be found at eight car parks in the area. Find a car park
- There is also a Park and Ride service operating from Sobell Leisure Centre/Aberdare Community School on the morning of the event. The first pick up from the leisure centre to the park is 8am and the last is 10.30am. Last pick up from the park to Sobell will be 11am, or you can enjoy a short walk back through town, enjoying the shops and cafes. Find Sobell Leisure Centre.
- If your recycling or refuse collection day is usually a Thursday, please be aware this will change to the Saturday for this week only. Please do not leave your bins/bags out for collection on Wednesday night. Find your collection day
- Businesses are advised that all deliveries they have scheduled for Thursday, September 8 are completed by 9.30am or take place after 12pm.
- Businesses that have a Trade Waste collection due on Thursday, September 8 are reminded the collection will take place, for that week only, on Wednesday, September 7.
- Only properties situated along the race route will be affected.
- There are factors outside of the Council’s control, such as last-minute changes to the route, weather conditions etc that the Council cannot be held accountable for. All updates or information that arise will be posted on @RCTCouncil on twitter.
- Everyone out and about in their vehicles on the morning is urged to be cautious and to ensure they follow any instructions provided by event organisers or South Wales Police.