Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is delighted to host the start of Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain at Aberdare Park on Thursday, September 8.
Britain’s most prestigious professional cycle race starts in Glasgow on Sunday, September 4.
It returns to Wales for two stages, the first on Wednesday, September 7, when some of the world’s top riders race from Denbigh to Builth Wells, where they will finish on the Royal Welsh Showground.
On September 8 they will continue their race from Aberdare, through Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly County Borough, Torfaen and Monmouthshire before a finish in Bath.
The two stages will include almost 300-kilometres of racing on Welsh roads, with Stage 4 from Denbigh to Builth Wells the longest of the 2016 Tour of Britain at 218-kilometres, also including the most ascent of any leg, with over 4,000-metres of climbing.
First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “The race is a great opportunity for us to showcase the beautiful Welsh landscape to the cyclists taking part as well as the thousands of spectators who watch the thrilling competition.
“Following the magnificent Euro 2016 tournament, Wales’ sporting achievements are being recognised and celebrated around the globe.
“I hope being part of the Tour of Britain will continue to inspire people in Wales to take up sport – and with 2016 being Wales’ Year of Adventure, this is the perfect time for people to get active and plan a sporting adventure.”
Cllr Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Stage 5 start of the Tour of Britain at Aberdare Park – a park with a proud history.
“The Tour of Britain is a major sporting event that is followed by millions of people around the world and hosting the race, one of only two starting points in Wales, gives us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful County Borough and all it has to offer.
“The Tour of Britain is going to put Rhondda Cynon Taf on the map, with all roads literally leading to Aberdare on that day.
“We look forward to giving a warm valleys welcome to all the riders, their teams and all the many spectators, who I am sure will be lining the streets to watch the race as it passes through the area.”
Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain will start at Aberdare Park at 10.45am on Thursday, September 8, for a 205-kilometre stage to Bath. The riders will travel through Aberdare town centre, Aberaman, Abercwmboi and Glenboi before heading across Mountain Ash town bridge and travelling along the A4059 to the Abercynon Roundabout.
Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett, said: “We are looking forward to this year’s Welsh stages of the Tour of Britain and taking in new venues and new climbs.
“As always, the Welsh stages will be amongst the hardest in the Tour, and this year is no different, with both stages in excess of 200-kilometres and containing plenty of climbing.”
Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer at Welsh Cycling, said: “Welsh Cycling is delighted to once again welcome the Tour of Britain to Wales.
“We have a fantastic summer of cycling activities here in Wales for everyone to enjoy.
“With our elite athletes competing in the Tour de France and Rio Olympic Games, and major events like the Tour of Britain on our doorstep, we hope that Wales will be inspired to cycle this summer.”