The countdown to the Tour of Britain is on!

20 August 2012

The countdown to the Tour of Britain is on, and with less than a month until almost 100 elite riders from across the world speed through the streets of Caerphilly county borough, the sixth stage finale of the race was officially launched earlier this week by the council's Mayor and Leader.

Friday 14th September will see the country's biggest professional cycle race the Tour of Britain return to Caerphilly county borough.

The Mayor, Cllr Gaynor Oliver and the Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Harry Andrews came together with representatives from the Tour of Britain, the Welsh Government and the local Castle Bikes Junior Cycle Club recently to officially launch the sixth stage finale of the race.

Cllr Harry Andrews said, "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome colleagues from the Tour of Britain to Caerphilly to launch the finale of the sixth stage of the race. I greatly look forward to welcoming them to our county borough again next month for the race itself, and would encourage as many people as possible to come along and cheer on the riders at this very prestigious event".

Joining the guests at the launch event was Aberystwyth-based Gruff Lewis who rides for Team UK Youth – the team are making their debut in this year's Tour of Britain. Gruff holds the title of 2011 Welsh Road Race Champion and 2011 Welsh Criterium Champion.

Former Wales rugby international Rhys Williams also came along to show his support – Rhys will be taking part in the Tour Ride, a charity race that runs alongside the Tour of Britain.

The Tour of Britain will enter the county borough near Nelson, travel down to Ystrad Mynach and then follow the old road through Llanbradach. The competitors will then head into Caerphilly and face TWO gruelling climbs to the top of Caerphilly Mountain, before coming back down into the town for the stage finale against the backdrop of the magnificent Caerphilly Castle.

For more information about these and other events call 029 20 880011 or visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/events.